BMW opens Shanghai R&D center to promote localization strategy in China

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- BMW Group's Shanghai R&D center was officially opened on June 15, according to local media. Together with another two R&D centers in Beijing and Shenyang (capital of Liaoning province), the German premium automaker has built the largest R&D system outside its local market.

With 90% of talents recruited from China, the Shanghai R&D center has four major departments, including a design center, a technology center, a digitalized service and application unit as well as an autonomous and connectivity driving laboratory. Reportedly, the newly-opened center will focus on the innovation design for latest technologies, localization of autonomous driving technology and the research and application of connectivity driving technologies. All of those achievements will be widely used across the world.

Regarding the other two R&D centers, the Beijing center will specialize in vehicle testing and verification, as well as formulating localized strategies based on Chinese consumers' demands. Besides, the Shenyang center chiefly focuses on engineering issues, such as EV (electric vehicle) development and production vehicle qualification control, etc.

According to BMW Group's statement, it will strengthen the investment in the product and technology localization in China. It is predicted that in the next few years, the group's total investment in R&D of new models, vehicle electrification and autonomous driving technologies will be increased to € 7 billion.