Rizhao, Shandong province has been ramping up efforts to develop its auto sector into an industrial cluster worth hundreds of billions of dollars, said local officials.

Official statistics show that in 2019, the city had more than 350 automobile and parts enterprises, among which 100 were above designated size, with more than 30,000 employees.

At the plant of Rizhao Weiyi Motor Co, it takes just 120 seconds to assemble a vehicle.

"Our main production lines are fully automated, with high efficiency and precision. Our assembling and welding line integrates mechanical, electronic, and hydraulic technology," said Shi Junfeng, a manager at the company.

As a key player in Rizhao's auto sector, Weiyi mainly produces WEY, a domestic luxury SUV brand launched by China's leading SUV maker Great Wall Motor (GWM).

The company has also reached agreements with GWM to launch seven supporting projects involving auto parts, which will receive a total of 2.15 billion yuan ($324.65 million) in investment.

"The new projects are expected to accelerate the development of the industrial chain in Rizhao," said Shi.

An automated production line at the plant of Rizhao Weiyi Motor Co [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

People work at the plant of Rizhao Weiyi Motor Co. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]