GAC Group, a leading automobile manufacturer based in South China, has teamed up with the Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health to develop technologies and products related to prevention and control of respiratory diseases.

According to a strategic cooperation agreement signed on Monday, both sides will jointly develop an engineering technology center and a manufacturing base of products related to prevention and control of respiratory infection.

Both sides will focus on research and development and industrial transformation of technologies and products related to respiratory infectious diseases and cross-infection prevention and control in medical institutions, homes, public transportation vehicles and public gathering places, according to the agreement.

"We also will cooperate in the development of killing and protective devices against respiratory diseases in automobile plants, as well as inside cars," said Zeng Qinghong, chairman of GAC Group.

Zhong Nanshan, a prominent expert in respiratory diseases, said the cooperation will help improve air quality inside cars.

Led by Zhong, the Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health has set up nearly 50 scientific and technological emergency tackling projects against novel coronavirus pneumonia.