To be closer to key global automakers in Asia, ContiTech (Hanover / Germany; www.contitech.de) has opened a new research and development centre in Changshu / China. Opened in March, the centre develops products for vehicle mounting and vibration control technology and cooperates closely with customers such as Geely, Great Wall Motor Company, General Motors, Shanghai Volkswagen and Qoros. The Hanover-based company has invested roughly EUR 8m in the new centre and plans to employ 30 engineers by the end of 2013.

Located in Jiangsu province, the centre is just 100 km from Shanghai and will not only serve the fast-growing Chinese automotive market, but also Korea, Japan and India. In 2010, ContiTech, a global specialist for rubber and plastics technology in the non-tire rubber sector and a division of Continental AG, won a contract to collaborate with its engine mounts in the development of the central platform for assembly of automotive manufacturer Qoros’ first production model. According to Kai Uwe Frühauf, head of ContiTech's Vibration Control business unit, the Qoros order was the deciding factor for expansion of the company's R&D competencies in Asia.