Gasgoo Munich-According to the latest update from the Jingzhou Economic Development Zone, the Valeo Thermal Systems Global Innovation Center has officially opened in the zone. The move marks a significant step in Valeo’s strategy to deepen its R&D footprint in China and empower global markets.
Image Source: Jingzhou Economic Development Zone
Upgraded from the existing Valeo China Thermal Systems R&D Center, the facility will spearhead the development of standard thermal products. Its focus will sharpen on innovations in cabin comfort thermal management and engine thermal management solutions. By bolstering design capabilities, the center aims to respond more nimbly to technological shifts in the global auto industry while strengthening R&D collaboration and innovation.
Jingzhou has long served as the launchpad for Valeo’s operations in China, with a partnership dating back to 1994. That year, the supplier established its first batch of Chinese factories in the city, introducing its automotive air conditioning business to the market. The relationship deepened over the following decades: Phase II and III of the thermal exchange projects landed in the zone in 2012 and 2018, respectively. By 2021, the completion of the Valeo China Thermal Systems R&D Center cemented Jingzhou’s status as a key R&D hub, a role further solidified in 2024 with the opening of the Jingzhou Vehicle Test Base for comfort and driving assistance systems.
After years of growth, Valeo has emerged as a leading player in Jingzhou’s automotive components sector. This industry is a pillar of Jingzhou’s “23515” modern industrial system and remains a priority cluster supported by Hubei province.
