Belgium-based Wabco has reached a tentative agreement with China’s GuangDong Fuwa Engineering Manufacturing Co. (Fuwa) on a joint venture to produce air disc brakes in China. The new operation will be based at Fuwa’s manufacturing facility in Taishan, Guangdong, China.
Wabco, a provider of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission automation systems for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, will own 70% of the new venture once the agreement is finalized, which is expected by the end of the year.
“Establishing this manufacturing footprint in China will provide Wabco with a strategic entry into the growing Chinese market for air disc brakes,” said Leon Liu, Wabco president, Asia Pacific. “It represents another major step in the establishment of Wabco as a key partner for Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturers.”
“This cooperation will provide technology related to air disc brakes that will further reinforce our leadership position in axles in the commercial trailer market,” said Wu Zhiqiang, president of Fuwa. “With Wabco as our long-term partner, we secure proven and advanced technology to help achieve the full potential of our strategic export growth.”
The deal includes manufacturing, assembly and testing of air disc brakes for commercial trailers. Wabco will supply the brakes, which feature single-piston technology, lightweight design and increased performance at lower weight, the company said.
Return to Trucking Around the World
