Auto suppliers keen to scoop up new opportunities in China

International auto suppliers are further tapping into the growth potential of the Chinese market, especially in the fields of electrification and autonomous driving.

"China is now leading the way," said French auto supplier Valeo in a recent statement.

Francois Marion, president of Valeo China, said the country is not only its largest market but also the place where it sees the fastest growth.

He made the remarks at the Shanghai auto show, where the company is presenting its latest heating system solutions for electric cars.

Thermal management is crucial to electric cars' driving ranges. Valeo's new heat pump acquires almost two thirds of the energy it needs from air instead of the onboard batteries.

Valeo said electric cars equipped with the device can travel up to 30 percent further at minus 15 C than those fitted with more conventional heating systems.

Another solution consists of radiant panels hidden under the cabin linings, which can save power by 25 percent.

Valeo is also presenting its first end-to-end electric powertrain system from its joint venture Valeo Siemens eAutomotive based in China.

The system offers 100 kW of power and is suitable for the small and medium-sized city cars that make up the majority of vehicles in China.

German auto supplier Webasto, known for its roof and heating systems, is speeding up its transformation into the era of future mobility and autonomous driving.

Webasto China President Jan Henning Mehlfeldt said the company is pursuing a dual strategy of strengthening its core business and exploring new mobility fields.

"Our company has not only successfully expanded the roof system business in China, but also intensified its research and development activities and successfully started the production of the electro mobility portfolio," he said.

"These achievements will further help us to provide Chinese customers with more comprehensive, locally produced product solutions to satisfy and exceed their needs."

At this year's Shanghai auto show, Webasto is presenting for the first time its roof sensor module and a smart lightweight front-end module for autonomous vehicles.

The module integrates sensors, such as lidars and cameras that are required for autonomous driving, into the roof.

This solution can make autonomous vehicles look basically the same as ordinary cars.

To ensure the sensors function in different conditions, Webasto offers smart thermal management and cleaning systems.

Webasto said it has developed a new generation of battery packs for hybrid vehicles in cooperation with Chinese automotive manufacturers.

The company is also showcasing a wall box charger, which is especially developed for electric cars in the Chinese market.

Mehlfeldt said he expects China to account for 30 percent of the company's global sales in the new energy vehicle segment by 2023.

Sales of electric cars and plug-in hybrids are estimated to reach 1.8 million this year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.