View all Ford news from Shanghai

• Ford’s new RMB 680 million vehicle testing facility, including an advanced test track, will open in Nanjing in late 2017

• Ford is investing RMB 250 million in the expansion of its powertrain development capability with the addition of a new advanced powertrain lab by 2019

• Ford has opened a hands-on creative workshop called a “MakerSpace” to encourage collaboration and innovation among employees

SHANGHAI, April 8, 2017 – Ford Motor Company, accelerating innovation capability in the world’s largest vehicle market, is investing more than RMB 1.3 billion in Ford Research and Engineering Center to strengthen and expand its engineering and vehicle testing capabilities in Nanjing.

The investment supports an advanced vehicle test track set to open later this year, new vehicle testing facilities, including for electrified vehicles, and the addition of a MakerSpace, a hands-on creative work area designed for employees to collaborate and test new ideas.

“As we continue our transformation into an auto and mobility company, we are investing to improve our R&D capability around the world,” said Dave Schoch, president of Ford Asia Pacific and chairman & chief executive officer, Ford China. “China is not only a major center of manufacturing and sales - but also a key hub of talent and innovation.”

New Vehicle Test Center
Set to open in late 2017, Ford’s new vehicle test and development center -- known as Nanjing Test Center -- will be the company’s first China-based facility capable of testing new vehicles.

Located in the Gaochun district of Nanjing, the RMB 680 million Nanjing Test Center will feature a test track that includes a constant-speed three-kilometer oval and 80 different road surfaces to mimic driving conditions and roads in China and around the world. Nanjing Test Center will be capable of conducting tests for compact and full-sized passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles.

In addition, Ford will build a new emissions test center, a noise, vibration and harshness lab, and a vehicle refinement lab at the center. The test facilities will have the capability to conduct tests for compact and full-sized passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles.

Nanjing Test Center will support Ford’s commitment to growing its research and engineering capabilities in Asia Pacific; new facilities will be equipped to run both global and markets-specific vehicle tests.

Growing Powertrain Development Capabilities
In an effort to meet the increasing needs of consumers for better fuel efficiency, Ford has been investing in state-of-the-art powertrain facilities in Nanjing and in 2019 will open a second lab to develop advanced powertrains and powertrain technologies through an investment of more than RMB 250 million.

In the drive for even greener, more efficient vehicles in China, Ford is also expanding its investment in its new energy vehicle capabilities in Nanjing. Ford also plans to invest more in the expansion of its electrical, electronic and systems engineering lab.

The NEV team in Nanjing will also assist the global team developing next generation technologies that can provide consumers with superior performance and greater fuel efficiency, as well as a smoother drive experience in all drive modes and integrated battery system design offering best-in-class interior space.

On top of global projects, Ford’s NEV team in China leads the development of unique components of new energy vehicles launched in China, such as charge cord and port. It is also responsible for localization of key electrified vehicle technologies and systems, including battery, battery pack assembly and powertrain controls validation and calibration, as well as homologation certification.

New Space for Innovation
To foster innovation and collaboration among employees, Ford is investing RMB 5.5 million in a new space called a “MakerSpace,” open first to all Nanjing REC employees.

With new equipment and tools like 3-D printers, 3-D scanners, plastic forming machines, electronics and app development software, employees can build their ideas whenever inspiration strikes.

The MakerSpace also will be used to host innovation projects with external partners such as suppliers and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) schools. As part of its Better World initiative, which seeks to strengthen the communities it operates in through outreach programs, Ford has been a strong supporter of STEAM programs in China and across Asia Pacific. The new MakerSpace will give these students the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the same tools and equipment used by Ford engineers, and to work on projects under their guidance.

Ford has unveiled its latest expansion, the recently completed brand new Technology Office Building. The new nine-floor landmark on the REC campus in Nanjing accommodates nearly 1,000 people — or about 50 percent of the REC staff. This movement allows Ford to provide more space for the team to drive the product development and innovations.

“While we’re investing in Nanjing to improve our vehicle development capabilities, it’s also important that we continue to invest in our future,” said Schoch. “These kinds of programs will help to inspire the next generation of engineers and designers here in China.”