BMW plans to set up new R&D center in China

The new facility which will be located in the northeastern city of Shenyang will be one of the German carmaker's key R&D facilities globally. The purpose behind this project is to meet the fast-growing demand in the Chinese auto market. BMW is also planning to boost its production capacity in China to 300,000 vehicles from last year's 41,000 units. Its joint venture with Brilliance will start capacity expansion this year and later a new plant will be built. BMW Brilliance will also build an engine factory. Christoph Stark, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China was reported stating that the company is finalizing details of the plan. The China R&D center will also be able to provide feedback to decision-makers and designers at BMW's global headquarters in Munich.