China Business Investment Watch: Autoliv Inc.

Here is an example of the type of company making a production investment in China at this point in time. Note that this new plant will use advanced manufacturing technology, replacing an older existing plant in Shanghai.

Autoliv Inc., an automotive safety products manufacturer headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, is to build a new plant in China for airbag module production and testing. The complex will replace an existing facility in Shanghai, built less than two years ago, that has reached capacity.

Chinese passenger vehicle production has risen to an estimated 1.9 million this year, up from 750,000 vehicles in 2001. Chinese airbag demand has grown at an even faster pace. Autoliv's new construction will be completed mid next year. The 11,000 square meter facility can be expanded as required.

Autoliv Inc. develops and manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in the world. Together with its joint ventures Autoliv has 80 facilities with over 30,000 employees in 30 vehicle-producing countries. In addition, the company has technical centres in nine countries around the world, including 20 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier.

Source: Autoliv Inc.