Changan Auto sets up R&D unit in Japan

Shanghai, April 17 (Gasgoo.com) Chongqing Changan Automobile Co plans to establish a research and development facility in Japan soon, the Nikkei learned Tuesday. It will be the first Japan-based R&D unit by a major Chinese carmaker.

Changan will employ some Japanese engineers at the facility, hoping to develop eco-friendly technologies together with local Japanese auto parts suppliers, the report said.

The facility will be located in the Japanese city of Yokohama. It is slated to provide strong technical support for the automaker to compete in Chinese auto market and to export its vehicles.

Based in Chongqing city in China's southwest, Changan is country's largest mini-van maker and fourth-largest vehicle manufacturer.

In 2007, Changan Auto said it sold 770,546 vehicles, up 24.54 percent year-on-year, while its output rose 25.17 percent to 760,075 vehicles.