First Chinese Wind Tunnel Sees Daylight

The Chinese auto sector grows bigger by the day and the recent investments made by global automakers in the country are the living proof. But China has just made another major step in becoming a more important player in the worldwide auto industry: the first automobile wind tunnel in the country started operation at Tongji University in Shanghai on Sept. 19.

Basically, the tunnel can simulate all kind of driving environments, thus helping automakers adjust certain settings of their cars, buses, SUVs, trucks or even trains. The first goal is to help carmakers develop more aerodynamic, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly models, Yang Zhigang, the center director, was quoted as saying by gasgoo.com.

"It will strengthen China's competitiveness in the auto market," he added.

Construction of the new facility based in Jiading District commenced in 2004 and cost around $72 million.

Separately, Chinese carmakers continue their expansions in various corners of the world. Chery recently announced that it intends to build a new production facility in Turkey that would allow the company to reach new European markets and expand its presence on the Old Continent. The Chinese firm has already prepared around $500 million for the project but executives are currently searching the right site to host the plant.

Furthermore, BYD, the largest rechargeable battery producer in the country, wants to become the world's number 1 carmaker by 2025 and to take the number 1 spot in China by 2015.

"We have plenty of time to become China's top carmaker by 2015 with a complete and mature product line-up. I am sure we can achieve the target earlier than scheduled," Wang Jianjun, deputy general manager of BYD Auto Sales Co told the China Daily. "BYD was also making efforts to overtake Toyota to become the world's No 1 carmaker in 2025, with annual sales of over 10 million cars expected by that time," Wang said.