Forvia steps up China R&D to power global expansion

Forvia Group, one of the world's largest automotive technology suppliers, is sharpening its focus on local innovation in China, aiming to develop "China solutions" that can be exported worldwide.

"Some of the features that you are going to experience today will also be highly looked after in other parts of the world," said CEO Martin Fischer on Thursday at Auto Shanghai.

At the biennial event Forvia is showcasing a wide range of products in smart cabins, advanced electronics and connected mobility, including the Saphir concept car that the company said is "a masterpiece with AI-driven innovations".

"So what a fantastic opportunity (it is) really to create, to invent here in Shanghai, in China and bring those products, those ideas to the world," said Fischer.

Forvia, formed from the merger of Faurecia and Hella, has been investing heavily in Chinese R&D.

"We need to step up local R&D because innovation is extremely important for the Chinese market," said Ma Chuan, executive vice-president of Forvia China.

Ma, also president of Faurecia China, said Forvia hopes to help Chinese carmakers as they go to explore overseas markets by leveraging the company's global presence.

"Our China teams need to serve as the bridge so that our overseas teams can better serve Chinese OEMs in their overseas expansion. This is one of our priorities or strategies in the near future," he said.