Proceedings get underway at the launch ceremony for the innovation center. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]
Auto manufacturing giant Dongfeng Motor Corporation unveiled its Global Innovation Center on Aug 2 in Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone or WEDZ – located in Wuhan, capital city of central China's Hubei province.
In the wake of the event, the first group of researchers from Dongfeng's R&D General Institute has moved into their new offices.
The innovation center aims to establish a global presence from its Wuhan base, focusing on the automotive industry's development trends over the next 5-10 years.
It will conduct fundamental and forward-looking technological research, positioning Wuhan as the central hub for the next-generation automotive industry in central China.
Two years ago, WEDZ shifted its development focus from the Zhuankou area to Junshan, effectively creating a China Auto Valley driven by innovation and urban-industry integration.
Then in January this year, WEDZ and Dongfeng Motor signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish the Dongfeng Motor Global Innovation Center.
A panoramic view of WDEZ. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]
The center will concentrate on four key areas: Future-oriented technologies, advanced materials and processes, intelligent systems and technology demonstrations.
It aims to integrate domestic and international R&D and industry resources more efficiently, advance fundamental and forwards-looking tech research, attract and cultivate global top-tier scientific talent and enhance its R&D capabilities and control over the auto industry supply chain.
WEDZ and Dongfeng Motor have established a long-standing collaborative relationship. As such, the WEDZ hosts Dongfeng's headquarters, R&D centers and major production centers for passenger and new energy vehicles – playing a crucial role in Dongfeng's transformation into a technology-driven enterprise.
