Continental powertrain unit to set up Tianjin R&D center
An artist's rendition of the planned research and development center of Vitesco Technologies in Tianjin.
Vitesco Technologies, the powertrain business of Continental, has announced that it will build a research and development center in Tianjin.
Vitesco Technologies will develop technologies for hybrid and electric powertrains in the new R&D center, which is scheduled for completion in 2021.
The company's decision is based on China's position as the world's largest new-energy vehicle market as well as broad government support.
The new R&D center will include a lab where electric drive technologies can be tested and validated with a wide array of advanced test facilities. It will cover systems, software, electronics, mechatronics as well as supporting functions and attracts talent from all over the world.
Thomas Stierle, head of the Electrification Technology business unit of Vitesco Technologies, said: “Our company’s strategy is clearly focused on electrified powertrains. The new center in Tianjin further expands our development capacities right in the center of where we expect the biggest electrification growth over the next years.”
Vitesco Technologies said the new R&D center will forge even closer links to local customers in the world’s largest automotive market and support the development of vehicles with electrification technologies.
Vitesco Technologies is a Powertrain Division of Continental AG. In 2019, Continental announced to spin-off its Powertrain division with the purpose to give it more freedom to respond to market demands. A final decision on the spin-off waits confirmation from Continental annual shareholders’ meeting.
