SAIC to Share Hybrid Car Tech With Volkswagen, GM

SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd., a major state-owned automaker in China, is set to share its advanced hybrid car technology with two of its joint venture partners, Volkswagen AG and General Motors Co. This move highlights a shift in the Chinese automotive industry from following to leading in technological innovation [para. 1][para. 2]. The technology in question, DMH ("super hybrid"), was developed by SAIC's Roewe brand and supports various types of hybrid vehicles including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). It was officially unveiled recently, marking a significant step forward in hybrid technology [para. 3].

The different types of vehicles supported by the DMH technology have distinct operational modes. PHEVs combine battery power and fossil fuels to run their engines, EREVs use an internal combustion engine to extend the battery's range, and HEVs primarily use an internal combustion engine but incorporate an electric motor for low-speed operations and starting [para. 4]. This flexibility in application makes the DMH technology particularly versatile.

Further emphasizing the importance of collaboration in this sector, Ralf Brandstaetter, CEO of Volkswagen’s China operations, mentioned last month that Volkswagen is actively working with SAIC and China FAW Group Co. Ltd. on PHEV development. This collaboration could potentially expand into joint design and production specifically tailored for the Chinese market [para. 5].

The backdrop to these developments is a robust growth in China's new-energy vehicle market. In 2023 alone, sales rose by 37.9% year-on-year reaching approximately 9.5 million units. This includes about 6.69 million pure electric vehicles (up 24.6% year-on-year), 2.8 million PHEVs (an increase of 84.7%), and 6,000 fuel cell cars (rising by 72%). These figures underscore China's rapidly expanding role as a global leader in the new-energy vehicle sector [para. 6].

This strategic sharing of SAIC’s hybrid technology not only strengthens its partnerships with global auto giants but also positions it at the forefront of innovation in an increasingly competitive field driven by sustainability concerns and technological advancements [para. 1][para. 2][para. 3].