NEWS

Beijing, June 5, 2024 – Volkswagen Group China deepens its partnership with China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC) to boost the Group’s development and testing of NEV and ICVs in China. Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC) and CATARC signed a strategic cooperation MOU, covering areas such as national standard testing, R&D testing, standards consultation, homologation services, and data and information services. In addition, seven Volkswagen Group holding entities in China jointly signed a framework contract with CATARC Automotive Test Center (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. The cooperation will help to streamline the procurement processes and explore further synergies in R&D and testing across the Group and relevant entities.

Alfonso Sancha, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, responsible for purchasing, said: “The success of our 'In China, for China' strategy depends on strong and reliable local partners. CATARC's extensive expertise across the whole industry chain, prestigious assessment services and insights into Chinese policies and market trends make them the perfect choice. This partnership allows us to streamline procurement processes across the Volkswagen Group and relevant entities in China, consolidating the Group’s competitiveness in the emerging era of intelligent connected vehicles.” 

Thomas Ulbrich, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Volkswagen Group China, CEO of Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC), said: “At Volkswagen Group, we are laser-focused on elevating our R&D capabilities in China to meet unique local demands and embed into the nation's tech ecosystem. For over 20 years, our partnership with CATARC has spanned standardization, testing, joint R&D projects and certification. Now, we're taking this cooperation to a new level through intensive R&D and testing for new energy and intelligent connected vehicles — from components to full vehicles. Together, we'll provide Chinese customers with smart, safe and even more sustainable mobility experiences.”

Mr. An Tiecheng, Chairman of CATARC, commented: "We are witnessing a vigorous development in the new global wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, where electrification, connectivity, and intelligence have become defining features of the automobile industry. Over the years, CATARC and the Volkswagen Group China have built a foundation of complete trust and forged a deep friendship through our enduring cooperation. It is our aspiration that the signing of this strategic cooperation memorandum will elevate our win-win collaboration to new levels, enabling mutual empowerment and jointly fostering the high-quality, sustainable advancement of China's automobile industry."

With its 'In China, for China' strategy, the Volkswagen Group is harnessing China's market dynamism to accelerate transformation through deep localization and innovation. The Group is strengthening its local development capacities for e-mobility, digitalisation and autonomous driving and accelerating its decision making and development processes in the region. As a result, the Group will be able to rapidly respond to market shifts and meet the unique needs of the Chinese customer. 

Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC) and CATARC signed a strategic cooperation MOU

Seven Volkswagen Group holding entities in China jointly signed a framework contract with CATARC Automotive Test Center (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.

Alfonso Sancha, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, responsible for purchasing

Thomas Ulbrich, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Volkswagen Group China, CEO of Volkswagen China Technology Company (VCTC)

An Tiecheng, Chairman of CATARC