Volkswagen Group China is celebrating the production of the 10 millionth engine at its Shanghai Volkswagen Powertrain Co., Ltd (VWPT) Loutang plant. The plant, established in 2005 as a joint venture with long-standing Chinese partner SAIC Motor, currently produces the EA211 series of engines used in 10 Volkswagen car models and 6 ŠKODA car models produced by SAIC VOLKSWAGEN. “As one of the building blocks of Volkswagen Group’s localization strategy in China, VWPT will further the effort by driving technological innovation,” said Mr. Jörg Müller, Chairman of Board of Directors of Shanghai Volkswagen Powertrain Company (VWPT) and Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, Production & Logistics.

“VWPT has played a major role in Volkswagen’s success in China, through building its production competitiveness to continuously meet the demands of our Chinese customers,” Müller said. “We are not stopping here. Planning for the future is built upon the collaboration with our trusted partner SAIC and further involves high-tech engines, as we work to deliver the most advanced engine technology to the market.”

The Loutang plant started production in 2006 with the EA111 MPI. The upgraded EA211 was introduced in 2012. Since 2012, localization of production has surged from 67 percent to 98 percent for both the MPI and TSI variants of the engine. The plant currently covers more than 298,000 square meters, including more than 150,000 square meters of buildings, and employs nearly 2,400 people. The plant was expanded in 2011, then again in 2013, and now has an annual production capacity of 1.65 million engines.

The compact and lightweight EA211 have proved popular with consumers in China, based on their high performance, with impressive power and torque, lightweight construction, and high fuel efficiency.