Webasto has started producing battery assemblies for electric vehicles in Germany. Recently, the company's Schierling plant in Regensburg, Germany, has begun producing power battery assemblies for a European bus manufacturer. Starting in early 2020, there will also be a self-developed standard battery system for commercial vehicles. To this end, Webasto invested 11 million euros to build a multi-product production line and an additional 18 million euros to build prototypes at the Hengersberg base in Deggendorf, Germany. Workshop and test center.
Three years ago, Webasto decided not only to further expand its core business in the field of roofs and heaters, but also to expand more business areas in the field of electric vehicles through charging solutions and battery systems. "We have successfully entered this market with innovative future mobility products. The first batch of buses equipped with Webast batteries will soon be on the streets of major European cities. With the start of our own battery business, we are A new chapter is opened. "Dr. Holger Engelmann, Chairman of the Webasto Global Management Committee, emphasized:" We have a company history of nearly 120 years, and this milestone bears the joint efforts of our many expert teams. Extremely proud. "
In the process of establishing battery system development and production, Webasto fully benefited from its core business capabilities. For example, the company takes full advantage of its thermal management technology, its own electronics development and manufacturing technology, and its experience in installing complex systems in complete vehicles-all of which are key factors for success in new business areas. In addition, in the past three years, Webast has attracted a group of experts in the field of electric vehicles to join the company.
Webasto is using its existing production network to make battery systems for the European market: Schierling has been producing roof systems for more than 30 years. In addition, the Group's lightweight technology competence center is also in this plant, and now the Schilling plant begins to produce battery systems as an expansion of the plant. Webasto also expanded its factory in Hengersberg to produce innovative solutions for electric vehicles in the future. The capability center of the convertible roof has also been expanded and equipped with state-of-the-art battery testing and prototype manufacturing facilities. Employees at Hengersberg also made housings for the battery system, which were then sent to the Schierling plant.
Webasto also started battery business expansion in China. The test center and manufacturing of the battery system will be located at the new Webasto Jiaxing base. The new base will also produce automotive sunroofs.