Shanghai (ZXZC)- Chinese new energy vehicle ("NEV") startup Li Auto and the Shanghai-listed auto parts supplier Ningbo Tuopu Group ("Tuopu") strengthened their partnership by recently signing a strategic cooperation framework agreement at Tuopu's manufacturing base in Hangzhou Bay, according to a press release from Tuopu.

Prior to the latest move, the two parties have cooperated in such fields as chassis system, thermal management, and exterior & interior with abundant cooperative products delivered, said Tuopu.

Photo credit: Tuopu

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Ningbo, China, Tuopu has two business groups of power chassis system and trim system, and an independent brand business unit for intelligent driving - USHONE. The group mainly produces NVH anti-vibration system, interior & exterior system, body lightweight, chassis system, smart cockpit components, thermal management system, air suspension system, intelligent driving system and other products.

Tuopu Group has already partnered with many domestic and global automakers, such as Audi, BMW, Stellantis, GM, Geely, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen, Huawei, HiPhi , Li Auto, NIO, XPeng, RIVIAN, and Lucid Motors.

Currently, Tuopu has set up five R&D centers, which are located in Goteborg, Detroit, Ningbo, and Shanghai, and operated over 60 manufacturing factories in Ningbo, Wuhan, Harbin, and other cities.

In 2021, Tuopu saw its annual revenue leap 76.05% year on year to 11.463 billion yuan ($1.623 billion), according to the group's annual results.