Carmakers hit top gear for R&D road

Chinese automotive companies are expanding research and development partnerships in the United Kingdom, leveraging Britain's strength in science and innovation to make more efficient, low carbon vehicles.

Key examples include Shanghai's SAIC, Hangzhou's Geely and Jiangsu's Red Sun Group, all of which have developed R&D centers in the UK after acquiring local companies.

In addition, Changchun-based FAW Group and Chongqing-based Chang'an Automotive are working with UK academics in research into low carbon vehicle development, which can then be incorporated into their production chains in China.