Shanghai (ZXZC)- GAC Aisin Automatic Transmission Co., Ltd., the joint venture between GAC Motor and the world-renowned AT manufacturer Aisin AW, formally started business on Dec. 29.

GAC Aisin's factory; photo credit: GAC Group

As the first transmission joint venture in Guangzhou, GAC Aisin was founded in December 11, 2018. At the end of May 2019, the company celebrated the first spade cut of its manufacturing factory, which covers an area of 133,000 square meters and involves a total investment of 2.31 billion yuan ($354 million).

The first product to be manufactured at the joint venture's factory will be the third-generation 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT). The factory is said to begin production in early 2021. With a planned annual capacity of 400,000 ATs, it is expected to output over 3.5 billion yuan ($536.333 million) per year.

The joint venture will push ahead with the development and production of 8AT in the future, according to a press release.

Qingsheng Powertrain's second factory; photo credit: GAC Group

Guangzhou Qisheng Powertrain Co.,Ltd., a wholly-owned engine subsidiary of GAC Motor, inaugurated its second production factory at the same time. Covering an area of 84,000 square meters, the new factory has an engine assembly line and five fully automated processing lines focusing on cylinder block, cylinder head, crankshaft, connecting rod and camshaft respectively.

“With GAC Aisin and Qisheng Powertrain's second factory going into production, GAC Motor will further improve its intelligent manufacturing and supply systems, so as to provide strong driving force and reliable guarantee for GAC Group in developing self-owned brands,” said Zhang Yuesai, president of GAC Motor.