Changan Group opens three new R&D facilities in China

Chongqing Changan Automobile Group has opened three new vehicle research and development (R&D) facilities in China—one in Beijing, another in Heilongjiang province, and the third in Jiangxi province. China Knowledge quotes local sources as stating that the facilities will focus on the development of alternative-fuel vehicles and commercial vehicles (CVs). The company currently has another four R&D centers globally—in Chongqing and Shanghai (China), Turin (Italy), and Yokohama (Japan). Changan Group President Xu Liuping says that another two are being planned, one in the United States and one in the United Kingdom. Through these new bases, Changan aims to develop 22 new alternative fuel vehicles by 2015, with sales revenues from this segment targeted to reach around 20% of the company’s overall turnover. (April 20, 2010)