Chengdu: Emerging hub for new-energy vehicles

The new-energy vehicle industry is a new landmark on Chengdu's industrial landscape as the capital city of Sichuan province stresses a range of advanced industries to fuel a new round of economic development.

During the Western China International Fair in October, one of major events in Chengdu last year, Yema Auto of Sichuan Auto Industry Co Ltd rolled out three new-energy models.

In November 2014, the 12th Michelin Challenge Bibendum in the city attracted world-renowned automakers including BMW, Benz and Volkswagen to showcase their latest new-energy vehicles. Chengdu Laintem Motors Control Technology Co Ltd, collaborating with a research institution in Ukraine, developed the world's lightest motor for electric vehicles last year. The main business of the company founded in 2012 is developing and manufacturing power systems for electric vehicles. According to a company statement, it has also been working on solving the three biggest problems in electric cars - high costs, difficulties in charging and short battery life.

In addition to the lightest electric motor, the company has also developed a range of innovations together with the institution in Ukraine, resulting in 52 patented technologies.

It began manufacturing a third-generation electric bus in June last year. Shi Dixin, president of the company, said that Chengdu has the most abundant resources in southwestern China to form an industry chain in new energy.

"I hope that we can start from technology and finally integrate every part to make the industry better appeal to the market."

Sichuan Auto Industry Co Ltd located in Longquanyi district, the city's auto manufacturing hub, is a manufacturer of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and motors. The company has also turned its attention to new-energy vehicle development and manufacturing. It now has two manufacturing centers in Chengdu.

Cao Guodong, deputy general manager of the company, said the natural resources in Sichuan are a good fit for the new-energy vehicle industry with its climate and rare earth resources.

As well, the city government has adopted a range of policies to support the industry, making a larger space for auto companies to flourish in the city, said Cao. He added that in 2015, the company will launch new models of new-energy vehicles and carry out R&D projects with top universities in the country.

The municipal government's new energy vehicle development plan started in 2008.

By 2010, the city became one of the first 25 national demonstration areas for new-energy vehicles. According to a report from Chengdu Economic Daily in February, there are now six producers of new-energy vehicles in the city and 18 that make components. The city's economic and technology development zone has attracted a range of national and multinational auto companies including Volvo and Geely. Volkswagen and BMW also chose the city the site for promotion events for their electric vehicles. According to the Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, the city stress integration of the industry as well as technologies for battery development. It will also ofer more support for innovation in local companies and their cooperation with academic institutions. The province unveiled its list of five advanced industries last year, which includes new energy vehicles, shale gas, energy-saving and environment protection equipment, information security and aviation. The provincial government will also put more effort into develop five emerging service industries - e-commerce, logistics, financing, science services and healthcare. The central government has recently made the Tianfu New Area a State-level new area. Chengdu plans to further promote the area's development as a modern industry base to improve its city competitiveness.

Contact the writers at liyu@chinadaily.com.cn and fuchao@chinadaily.com.cn