Continental to set up vehicle research centre in Shanghai

Car component provider Continental AG, one of the world’s top car component suppliers, has intensified its investments in China. It has established an Automotive Tech Center in the Jiading Industrial Zone in Shanghai, powered by investments from two of Continental’s divisions: the Chassis and Safety department and the Powertrain division. The German company, which supplies brake systems, tires, car electronics and instrumentation, said it aims to hire as many as 200 engineers at the research and development (R&D) facility, which will focus on driving safety, fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions for cars built and designed on the mainland and other Asian markets. The R&D facility, which is under construction, occupies close to 17,342 square meters in Jiading. Upon completion in 2011, it will be made up of three main buildings and other accessory facilities for engineering offices and laboratories. (April 6, 2009)