Creating the World's Top Automotive Intelligent Network Test Platform
On the morning of November 2, the groundbreaking ceremony for the East China (Dongying) Intelligent Connected Vehicle (ICV) Test Site project was held in the Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area of the Yellow River Delta, Dongying City. A total of over 200 participants, including head of the EVE Rubber Institute, Wang Mengjiao, Sailun’s CEO, Yuan Zhongxue, FAW Group leaders, Xi Guohua, and finally the leaders of the local Dongying government.
In his speech, Yuan Zhongxue first expressed his heartfelt gratitude to FAW Group, Dongying Municipal People's Government, Dongying Municipal Party Committee and all the builders involved in the East China ICV Test Site Project. He said that Sailun Group has always shouldered the historical mission to “make great tires”. Under the inspiration of the national “2025 plan”, it is their duty to promote the development of the national rubber tire industry. In recent years, Sailun Group has been working hard to become a world-class Chinese tire brand through creating an active global strategic layout and keeping up with technology trends such as 5G.
Yuan Zhongxue also stated that FAW Group is a giant with a long history in China's auto industry, while Sailun Group is an emerging outstanding power in the new era tire industry. As natural upstream and downstream partners, both sides have a good foundation for cooperation. This strategic cooperation will allow both companies to fully realize their own advantages in the field of vehicle, tires and parts to build the first modern testing ground in China that is able to provide a comprehensive platform for intelligent connected travel services. At the same time, with the construction of the East China Intelligent Connected Vehicle Test Site Project, the cooperation between these three giants, FAW Group, Dongying City and Sailun Group, in an area historically built with deep industrial culture and strong entrepreneurial passion will surely bring about winning results for all.
Subsequently, Mr. Xi Guohua, Director, General Manager and Deputy Secretary of FAW Group CPC Standing Committee, expressed gratitude to the Shandong Provincial Party Committee, the provincial government, the Dongying Municipal Party Committee, and the relevant units for caring and supporting the project construction. He pointed out that ICV technology is a hotspot for global innovation, a key point for future development, and the trend and direction of the automobile industry with a broad, promising market that displays huge growth potential. In the future, the test site will be constructed in three models. The first is a model of cross-border integration and collaborative innovation; the second is a model of division of labor, cooperation, contribution and shared benefits; the third is a model of cooperation between government and enterprises for mutual benefit.
Li Kuanduan, Secretary of the Dongying Municipal Party Committee, said that he is willing to cooperate with FAW and Sailun to promote the development of related industries. Dongying Municipal Party Committee and Dongying Municipal People's Government, together with Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area will fully support the test site project to provide an optimal environment and services.
It is reported that the project covers an area of about 9,100 mu and is expected to start construction next year. The first phase will be put into operation in early 2023. The facilities of the test site include an ICV test area (including closed/semi-closed/open road test area), comprehensive performance test area, laboratory test area, etc., which can provide comprehensive R&D and testing services for automobiles, tires and auto parts enterprises. Relying on the internationally advanced design and the construction and operation teams, it plans to build itself into an intelligent testing platform which can meet top world standards, thereby providing services for the development and testing of artificial intelligence and intelligent transportation technology.
In addition, Sailun Group will also cooperate with FAW Group and other vehicle manufacturers, parts companies, communication companies, internet companies, infrastructure service companies and other partners to build a whole industrial chain on the East China Test Site. This cooperation and industrial chain will cover R&D, manufacturing, sales, and services related to automobile and tires, and bring these and their supporting enterprises together in one place. Aspects of this include developing industrial tourism projects, building a talent exchange platform where new talent can flourish, an area for the application, repair and maintenance of new ICVs, and finally drive the technology improvement of China’s automobile industry.
