Automotive component manufacturers Webasto and Wanxiang A123 are to cooperate on a Shanghai-based battery development partnership targeting commercial vehicles for the Chinese market.
China-based Wanxiang, which also produces lithium-ion batteries, has signed a partnership agreement to produce a battery module that will be integrated in Munich-based Webasto’s modular battery system.
The project is the first under the partnership. The battery modules from Wanxiang contain high-quality NCM battery cells.
Webasto— one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers— signed a letter of intent with Samsung SDI in March 2018 to develop and manufacture a battery module optimised for the European market.
In 2017, Webasto expanded its portfolio into electromobility; it now develops and produces charging solutions and battery systems for use in electric vehicles.
Wanxiang became Wanxiang A123 after buying US lithium firm A123 Systems at a bankruptcy auction in December 2012.
Webasto management board member Freddy Geeraerds said: “The establishment of the battery production in China is a significant step towards achieving our aim of becoming a leading global systems partner in the battery business.”
