FAW aims R&D expansion on e-vehicle technologies

FAW Group Corp, one of China's largest automakers, is aiming to make key breakthroughs in 60 core technologies of electric vehicles in the period from 2011 to 2015, sources reported.

The group, which has launched a branch to develop and promote its hybrid buses, hybrid B-Class sedans, plug-in A-Class sedans and electric economy cars, intends to perfect the technologies of electrical power systems, electro-mechanical coupling system, battery system and key electronic components, including brakes, steering and air conditioner.

Shenzhen-listed FAW Car Co Ltd<000800>, a subsidiary of FAW Group, said recently that it intends to put its second sedan plant into operation in the fourth quarter of this year, and the new plant with output capacity of 200,000 units will principally produce vehicles under the brand of Besturn.

The new plant will ease the tight production capacity of the company's existing sedan plant, more Mazda cars will be made with total output capacity reaching 320,000 units, including other auto models such as Besturn B50, Besturn B70, Mazda 6 and Mazda Ruiyi, China Knowledge reported earlier.