Sino-German auto cooperation enters ‘honeymoon’ period
17 July, 2018
A number of Chinese and German companies have signed a series of agreements involving the automotive industry during the past week, reflecting a new ‘honeymoon’ period of cooperation, Yicai.com reported.
Among the biggest deals, Chinese lithium-ion batteries manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology signed an investment agreement with the state government of Thuringia, Germany. The plan involves setting up a battery production base and a smart manufacturing technology R&D center in Erfurt, Thuringia.
Volkswagen Group, JAC Motors and SEAT also signed a memorandum of understanding, with the aim of establishing an R&D center to develop the technology needed for new energy vehicles.
In addition to the latter, autonomous driving is another important area of cooperation, with auto parts supplier Bosch and Baidu officially signing a strategic cooperation framework.
Bosch will participate in Baidu’s Apollo program and provide support involving sensors, related hardware and vehicle positioning services.