China-based business, Dongfeng Auto Parts, has contributed its activities in the field of compressors and compressed air handling to the joint venture between Dongfeng and German braking technology specialist, Knorr-Bremse.
The Donfeng-Knorr-Bremse joint venture was established in 2015, and initially focused on the production of mechanical compressed air valves and complete Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS).
Dongfeng has contributed its compressor business and associated activities to the joint venture, effective January 1 2018.
“Dongfeng and Knorr-Bremse complement each other perfectly, with Knorr-Bremse contributing its extensive product expertise and Dongfeng its in-depth knowledge of the market,” said Dongfeng Auto Parts General Manager, Chen Xinglin.
“Since the joint venture was launched the company has shown excellent performance,” said Knorr-Bremse Executive Board Member – Commercial Vehicle Systems, Peter Laier.
“In close cooperation with Dongfeng we are constantly optimising our products to meet the specific requirements of the Chinese market. The expanded cooperation with Dongfeng Auto Parts will help to launch adapted solutions to make Chinese commercial vehicles safer, smarter, and more environmentally friendly,” he said.
Along with changes to commercial vehicle laws and regulations in China, the government’s efforts to promote the efficiency and safety of commercial vehicles have reached a new level, according to Knorr-Bremse.
“The extended cooperation between Dongfeng and Knorr-Bremse will provide full development support for domestic commercial vehicle manufacturers to effectively meet the growing demands of Chinese-market customers,” Knorr-Bremse said in a statement. “The Chinese truck market as a whole is currently showing rapid growth. Following on from relatively moderate revenue growth of around 6 per cent in 2016 against 2015, production and sales in the first half of 2017 surged ahead by approximately 20 per cent year-on-year.”