German braking technology company, Knorr-Bremse, has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer, FAW Jiefang.

In recent years, according to Knorr-Bremse, the rapid development of China’s logistics and transportation sector has called for upgrades of systems and equipment. “New trends, new challenges and new opportunities have emerged in the Chinese commercial vehicle market. Knorr-Bremse and FAW Jiefang are planning a close and comprehensive strategic cooperation in commercial vehicle braking systems, AMT products, and AMT calibration, as well as in chassis components, steering systems, smart driving, and other areas.

Knorr-Bremse Executive Board Member – Commercial Vehicle Division, Dr Peter Laier, and FAW Jiegfang President, Hu Hanjie, signed the strategic cooperation framework agreement.

“As a pioneer of China’s automotive industry, FAW Jiefang has become one of its leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles by insisting on independent innovation,” said Laier. “We see a broad and sound basis for cooperation with FAW Jiefang. It offers Knorr-Bremse the opportunity to leverage our global technology and service advantages to support FAW Jiefang effectively in its globalisation efforts. In addition, it allows Knorr-Bremse to contribute to the development of the safety, efficiency, and interconnection of commercial vehicles in China.”

“Knorr-Bremse focuses on the overall control of braking and steering and is a world leader in the technology that makes autonomous vehicles safer,” said Hanjie. “Our cooperation with Knorr-Bremse will actively promote the development of a smart driving technology sector and enable Chinese commercial vehicle and related industries to reach the global technological forefront.”

“As a supplier of braking systems, Knorr-Bremse has its USP in innovation, energy conservation, environmental protection, and safety,” said Knorr-Bremse President – Commercial Vehicle Systems Asia Pacific.

“In addition to ADAS, the world-leading technology, and the lightweight disc brake specially designed for the Chinese market, Knorr-Bremse offers mature AMT products and steering systems with flexible and highly reliable components for chassis systems. We can therefore provide better support to FAW Jiefang in technology application and upgrading. This will also help China’s leading manufacturer to be more competitive in the world market in spite of the increasingly competitive environment.”

Founded in 1953 in Changchun, China, FAW Jiefang has 21,000 employees and posted HDT and MDT sales volume of 265,000 and a market share of 19.7 per cent in 2017. The company is a subsidiary of China FAW Group Corporation.

(Image L-R: FAW Jiefang President, Hu Hanjie, and Knorr-Bremse Executive Board Member – Commercial Vehicle Division, Dr Peter Laier.)