Innovation has built a global powerhouse

Continuous innovation has become the key to strengthening Weichai Power's development and maintaining its leading position among global competitors.

Over the past decade, Weichai has invested more than 30 billion yuan ($4.15 billion) in engine development, with approximately 20 percent of its research and development expenditure allocated to fundamental and cutting-edge exploration. A research and development team with more than 6,000 engineers dedicated to engine development has driven Weichai's breakthroughs in key technology.

"Having control over core technologies that cannot be easily replicated or developed is pivotal for achieving success in global competition," said Tan Xuguang, chairman of Weichai Power.

In 2020, Weichai became one of the first companies in China to meet the criteria of "lighthouse factory" — a designation representing the highest level of global intelligent manufacturing, characterized by high efficiency, intelligence and sustainability.

Smart technologies such as visual recognition, online testing and robots have been widely implemented in Weichai's workshops. Automated guided vehicles transporting parts and equipment have significantly enhanced efficiency, and the company's industrial robot density has surged to 1,160 units per 1,000 workers, up from 390 in 2021.

Weichai has also established a central research institute, eight research centers and a national-level combustion and powertrain system lab to support the development of traditional and new energy engines.

The Weichai Power Future Technology Test Laboratory was launched on April 16, marking an important milestone to lead energy reform in the "dual-carbon" era and promote Shandong Heavy Industry Group's vehicle and machinery business to the world-class level. Total investment in the lab, which has 46 independent experimental rooms, is more than 2 billion yuan.

Tan said Weichai Power has effectively established a coordinated development framework across industrial sectors encompassing power systems, commercial vehicles, agricultural equipment, construction machinery, smart logistics and marine transportation equipment, solidifying its strong presence as a competitor in the global market.

The Weichai Power Future Technology Test Laboratory is launched recently. CHINA DAILY