Shanghai (ZXZC)- Bosch Automotive Products Suzhou Co. Ltd. (“Bosch Suzhou”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bosch, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new energy vehicle core components and automated driving technology R&D and manufacturing base in Suzhou Industrial Park, according to a post Bosch released on Mar. 25 via its WeChat account.

Earlier this year, Bosch announced it would invest approximately 7 billion yuan (about $1 billion) to build a new base for new energy vehicle and autonomous driving businesses. "The new base will leverage local technology and experience to enhance Bosch's competitiveness within and without China," said Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH.

Photo credit: Bosch

The new R&D and manufacturing base has a total floor area of over 70,000 square meters for the first phase, consisting of four buildings, including a 66,000-square-meter production workshop, a 3,200-square-meter energy center, a 400-square-meter warehouse, and a 1,700-square-meter security zone. Its construction is expected to be completed by mid-2024.

In the first phase of the project, the energy-saving and carbon reduction concept is fully integrated into the building design and construction process. For example, various efficient motors will be used for mechanical equipment, a heat pump system will be adopted for hot water supply, and a heat recovery device will be employed for the air conditioning and ventilation system. In addition, natural cooling systems and solar power generation systems will be used at the base to reduce carbon emissions, achieve high operation efficiency and energy savings.

Founded in 1999, Bosch Suzhou has had four factory areas in Suzhou Industrial Park, with approximately 9,600 employees, mainly engaged in the automotive and intelligent transportation technology, and industrial technology businesses.