Connected vehicle demand prompts Chinese expansion for engineering consultant
An increasing demand in China for specialist knowledge in the field of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technology has prompted a subsidiary of Midlands advanced engineering specialist HORIBA MIRA to double the size of its operation in the country.
MIRA China has moved into a new office following a 50% growth in staff numbers.
The new facility is located at Hongqiao SunnyWorld Centre, a sustainably-designed complex centred on a four-hectare public park in Shanghai’s Central Business District.
MIRA China’s rapidly-expanding engineering team includes a number of specialists who have relocated to China from MIRA’s Nuneaton base.
The expansion has increased MIRA’s ability to offer services in areas such as ride and handling, noise, vibration and harshness, durability and RLD (Road load data), safety development, thermal management, and control/xEV skills as well as bringing in new CAV capabilities.
With demand for CAV technologies and skills increasing all the time, MIRA China now plans to grow further over the coming years to support the growth of its CAV and vehicle resilience capabilities, with the introduction of additional engineers.
The business also plans to expand the team with local specialists in Real Driving Emissions, Functional Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility. These specialisms are increasingly important as vehicle systems continue to grow in complexity and as changes continue to be seen in emissions regulations.
MIRA China also integrates its specialist engineering capabilities with its engineering development base at the Xiangyang Proving Ground and expertise in the UK to provide engineering development services for Chinese OEMs and component suppliers.
Jason Bao, managing director of MIRA China, said: “We are committed to the Chinese market, which is seeing strong growth and increasing interest in new technologies such as autonomous and connected vehicles. With a larger team and this investment in brand new offices, we’re in a great position to work with automotive manufacturers and suppliers across the country, leveraging our extensive engineering expertise both in China and UK.”
