Gasgoo Munich- On March 19, Gasgoo learned that Shanghai held a certification ceremony on March 18. The event certified the 42nd batch of regional headquarters and R&D centers of multinational companies. The automotive industry emerged as a key component of the newly certified enterprises. German automaker Mercedes-Benz and South Korea's Hyundai Motor both established new R&D centers in the city.
Image source: WeChat account "Shanghai Release"
The certified enterprises are largely concentrated in Shanghai's key development sectors. The sustained investment by leading automotive firms stands out as a major highlight. Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai's decision to set up R&D centers in Shanghai underscores a shift. Foreign automakers are deepening their presence in the Chinese market. They are doubling down on local R&D innovation. This move will further refine Shanghai's global innovation layout for the automotive industry.
Beyond automakers, Shanghai's priority sectors are seeing increased foreign investment. These include biomedicine, integrated circuits, high-end equipment, and fashion consumer goods. Industry leaders are moving to upgrade their headquarters or establish R&D centers in Shanghai. Notably, U.S.-based AbbVie upgraded its Shanghai operational headquarters to a regional headquarters. Rio Tinto and France's Publicis Groupe set up China headquarters. U.K.-based Johnson Matthey established an R&D center. Phinia went a step further by establishing its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Shanghai. This center will coordinate regional market operations.
According to a report by Shanghai Release, more than 6,300 new foreign-funded enterprises were established in Shanghai in 2025, up 6.8% year-on-year. Actual utilized foreign investment exceeded $16 billion. The city recognized 60 new regional headquarters of multinational companies and 45 foreign-funded R&D centers. As of February this year, the cumulative totals reached 1,084 and 647, respectively. Shanghai remains a preferred destination for foreign investment and a key location for multinational companies' global industrial and supply chain layouts.
