Shanghai (ZXZC)- Highly Marelli, the joint venture between Highly Group and Marelli, inaugurated its global R&D center’s China unit on Feb. 7, only one year after the establishment of the joint venture.

Launching ceremony for HTIC Auto Thermal Management System & Key Components R&D Center, Highly Marelli Global R&D Center (China); photo credit: Highly Group

At the same time, Highly Group also announced the launch of HTIC (Highly Technology Innovation Center) Auto Thermal Management System & Key Components R&D Center located in Shanghai.

According to Highly Group, HTIC will be dedicated to the R&D of forward-looking technologies about automotive thermal management systems and advanced electric motors, etc. It will have four generic platforms, which focus on digital design and simulation, intellectual property-related services, application of new materials, as well as technical analysis and testing respectively.

As a global leading AC compressor supplier, Highly has made inroads into the new energy vehicle (NEV) supply chain. The foundation of the joint venture it formed with Marelli makes Highly Group grasp a complete set of NEV-related heat pump air conditioning system solutions, the company said.

The two newly-launched facilities will help Highly build a software & hardware testing & development platform focusing on the Chinese market and obtain the ability to independently develop automotive thermal management system and relevant core components. The company expects thermal management system business to serve as a new growth driver amid the rapid expansion of the NEV market in China.