Irish auto parts company makes inroads in China

From a global auto parts company to a high-tech company focusing on developing high-value electronics, smart mobility and autonomous driving, the Ireland-based Aptiv PLC has taken deep roots in China since entering the Chinese market in 1993.

Linking Chinese and global markets

Locating its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Pudong New Area, the economic growth engine of Shanghai, the company, formally known as Delphi Automotive PLC, has not only continuously increased investment in the Chinese market but also facilitated the upgrading and development of the Chinese intelligent automobile industry.

As future automobiles will become smarter and more interconnected, Aptiv acts as the "brain" and the "nervous system" that delivers the software capabilities, advanced computing platforms and networking architecture that make mobility work, said Yang Xiaoming, president of Aptiv Asia Pacific.

"As a communication bridge between the Chinese market, Asia-Pacific market and the global headquarters, the management team of the Asia-Pacific headquarters in Pudong will give full play to its duties and help the global headquarters understand the opportunities and consumer needs in the Asia-Pacific market, especially the Chinese market," continued Yang.

Build an innovation base for global automotive technology

While introducing global products and advanced technologies, Aptiv goes further in making investments in R&D in Chinese market.

To date, Aptiv has developed its extensive presence in China with three global leading auto parts R&D centers in Shanghai and Suzhou, as well as over 20 production bases all over the country, making China an important strategic market for Aptiv worldwide and an innovation base for global automotive technology.

The R&D center in Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone was established in 2014 and is the 10,000th foreign-funded enterprise in Pudong. The center now has more than 500 engineers and has launched a number of industry-leading solutions in active safety and driving assistance systems.

Over 3,000 engineers and technicians work for Aptiv in China, focusing on technology and engineering development in active safety, interconnectivity, user experience, and electrical and electronic architecture, according to Yang.

Also, Aptiv has forged a partnership with China Telecom in establishing a 5G vehicle networking laboratory focusing on communication technologies of vehicles against the backdrop of the developing 5G environment.