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Li Auto opens R&D centre in Germany, marking the launch of its global R&D strategy
- JEC
- 2025-02-12
Li Auto opened its R&D centre in Munich, Germany, its first overseas R&D centre and the company’s first step towards globalising its R&D strategy. Previously, the major Chinese new energy vehicle company has operated R&D centres in Beijing and Shanghai.
The German R&D centre will collaborate with Chinese design teams to create localised vehicle designs that embody future avant-garde design languages, shaping the automotive aesthetics of next era, says Li Auto.
The centre will also support Li Auto in gaining insights into the European market, developing capabilities aligned with European automotive regulations, and localising products to better meet customer needs.
Li Auto already works with German companies: a few weeks ago, the company announced having produced China’s first self-developed CFRT (Continuous Fibre-Reinforced Thermoplastic) auto parts, jointly developed with China’s Freco and Germany’s Röchling at Röchling’s Kunshan factory.
CFRT is a type of continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composite material. Due to its high strength and low density, it is widely used in aerospace, automotive, ships, rail transportation and other fields. Li Auto pioneered the application of CFRT material in the fuel tank bottom guard. Compared with traditional fuel tank bottom guard materials, it has stronger puncture resistance and can provide better protection for the fuel tank.
Cover photo: Li Auto (source)