BMW opens largest R＆D center outside Germany

BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) put into operation a new R&D center in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province on Thursday.

The new R&D center, covering an area of over 40,000 square meters, is by far the BMW Group's largest auto R&D hub outside Germany, the company said.

The center is an extension of the original one built in 2012, and is five times larger than the first-stage project.

About 75 percent of the 800-plus research personnel are Chinese, the company said, adding that the center will focus on new energy technology to establish a complete R&D and production chain in China.

Johann Wieland, President and CEO of BMW Brilliance Automotive, said the new R&D center would act as a hub to bring in more advanced technology under the German Industry 4.0 model to promote the transformation and upgrading of the automobile industry in China.

China has become the largest single market for BMW automotive vehicles. Earlier in May, the BMW assembly plant in Shenyang's Dadong District began operations. In January last year, an engine plant also began production in Shenyang.

Founded in 2003, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd is a joint venture of BMW Group and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)