Continental breaks ground on air suspension facility in China

German technology company Continental recently held the groundbreaking of an electronic air-suspension systems plant in Changshu, which will further serve customer needs in China. The new facility in Jiangsu Province covers an area over 13,500 sq m and will start operation in the second quarter of 2021.

The focus of the company will be on providing technologies and solutions in the fields of electrification, intelligent and connected vehicles as well as industrial mobility. Continental said it is committed to providing Chinese customers with localised solutions.

Enno Tang, President/CEO of Continental China, said that China’s light vehicle production this year is estimated to be about 15% lower than last year’s output. Tang said that China’s medium and long-term auto market will have moderately less growth, based on the company’s estimation.

Olaf Kreis, Vice-President/Head of electronic air-suspension systems said Continental will maintain the momentum to further streamline the manufacturing process.

“By offering advanced products locally, we are able to better support our customers to provide most comfortable and safest driving solutions,” Kreis said.

The company also says it will further invest in technology development in China, indicating its confidence in the potential and future growth of the world’s largest automotive market.

Elmar Degenhart, CEO of Continental, said: “As a global technology company and software powerhouse, we are as committed as ever to further strengthening and expanding our position in China.”

In April 2020, Vitesco Technologies, the powertrain business of Continental, announced that it would set up a new R&D centre in Tianjin, scheduled for completion in 2021, and will develop technologies for hybrid and electric powertrains.