Regensburg (Germany), Tianjin, Shanghai (China). November 2, 2021. Vitesco Technologies today held a ceremony to inaugurate its new research and development center in Tianjin, China. From there, the company, a leading international supplier of advanced powertrain technologies and e-mobility solutions, will increasingly serve the Asia-Pacific region with hybrid and electrified powertrain technologies to meet the rapidly growing e-mobility market. The new research and development (R&D) center has a gross floor area of 9,000 square meters and provides space for around 500 employees.  

"Tianjin is one of our most important locations in China, the world's largest automotive market. With this new research and development center, we are expanding our capacities precisely where we expect the greatest growth in e-mobility," emphasized Andreas Wolf, CEO of Vitesco Technologies. His welcoming speech was livestreamed on site during the ceremony: "We are grateful for the active support of the Tianjin local government and look forward to continuing our close exchange."

Headquartered in Regensburg, Germany, the company already has more than 15 years of experience in powertrain electrification. In Tianjin, Vitesco Technologies develops battery, motor and electronic control systems for battery electric, full hybrid and 48 V mild hybrid vehicles. The portfolio includes high-voltage drive systems, high-voltage control systems, high-voltage battery management systems, electrified 48 V drive systems and 48 V battery systems. In addition, the R&D center has a versatile laboratory for testing and validation. 

"Our new R&D center will be an important hub for us in the Asia-Pacific region," said Changsong Yu, general manager of the Electrification Technology Business Unit in Asia. "We are unlocking great growth potential for the electrification business across the region and driving the transformation towards e-mobility with local resources in terms of research, development, production and marketing." 

Qualification for sustainable technologies

Vitesco Technologies not only values future innovation, but also great working environment for their employees. With its bright, spacious lab and advanced equipment, the company will continue to increase its software and hardware development. The building is equipped with a gym, café, meditation room, innovation room and other functional areas. Excellent office conditions enable research and innovation and motivate employees. 

The research and development center is located at the Vitesco Technologies Tianjin manufacturing site, which has been there for 26 years. Since 2019, the plant has been producing fully integrated electric axle drives (EMR3) for various customers, including PSA or Hyundai. The R&D center will work closely with on-site production to optimize resources, increase efficiency and ensure customer satisfaction with high quality. Initial R&D projects for local OEMs are already underway, which aim to make mobility more convenient and sustainable for everyone.

Collaboration with universities and government

Vitesco Technologies and the administration Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) administration, together with various local universities, are training research and development talents in Tianjin for the field of electrification.