Changan Ford invests RMB 800m to expand R&D center

Shanghai (Gasgoo)-Ford Auto is continuing to launch new products and research on new technologies in domestic market since its entry. It’s learned that Changan Ford held a start-up activity on new project development center in Chongqing on October 18th, announcing to invest a total RMB 800m to expand the center and further strengthen Changan Ford’s product development capabilities and testing abilities, so as to lift product qualities for domestic vehicles and promote technologies of key parts including engines and gearboxes as well.

Established in 2001, Changan Ford Project Development Center always provides technical supports for Changan Ford products. The center will invest in a series of auto testing and trial equipment, in accordance with Ford global project standards. The built facilities will greatly promote Changan Ford’s testing capabilities in vehicles, engines, gearboxes and parts. The operation of the mostly eye-catching wind tunnel laboratory, which is a globally advanced environmental and aeroacoustics lab, will promote Changan Ford’s development quality and efficiency greatly.

In fact, Changan auto made a five-year plan on domestic market in 2015, planning to invest RMB 11.4b to strengthen its R&D capabilities in the market and launch 20 models by the year 2020. The new plan will focus on self-independent R&D capabilities and promote progress in domestic products, alternative energy area and intelligent vehicles. The expansion on Chongqing Project R&D center is an important step in the new strategy, providing technical storage for the on-coming alternative energy era.