German automotive giant strengthens presence in Liangjiang

Continental AG, a German company with a 150-year legacy and a Fortune Global 500 member, has solidified its footprint in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area. Renowned for its pioneering role in mobility technology, the company recently transitioned its automotive subsidiary into a new entity, Aumovio.

The subsidiary specializes in producing essential components such as brake calipers and vacuum boosters, with an impressive annual production capacity of 6 million units. By 2024, Aumovio's revenue had surpassed the significant milestone of 1 billion yuan ($142 million).

"The comprehensive automotive industrial chain in Liangjiang provides convenience, exceptional supply chain synergy, and proximity to customers for rapid response," noted Sun Gang, general manager of the Aumovio Chongqing plant.

The company has emerged as a key supplier for leading automakers, such as Chang'an Automobile, Seres, and Geely Auto.

Aumovio established its first R&D base in 2017 in China's central and western regions in Liangjiang, which was followed by the China Software and Systems R&D Center in 2022. Vibracoustic, another German leader and the world's foremost company in automotive vibration control, opened its plant in Liangjiang in 2023.

"We highly value the Chongqing market," an Aumovio representative said. "As a major automotive hub in the west, Chongqing has developed a comprehensive industry chain layout and a significant cluster effect, forming a 'one-hour supporting circle' that significantly reduces R&D cycles and collaboration costs."

According to the German Association of the Automotive Industry, nearly half of its 650 member companies have already established operations in China. With China's smart, connected, new energy vehicle ecosystem becoming increasingly complete, open, and efficient, more foreign enterprises are choosing to establish operations in China, particularly in Chongqing.