SHANGHAI, Jan. 28, 2009-- Autoliv Inc. is holding the course on its expansion plans in China, with a newly opened technical center and larger factory for seatbelts and airbags.

 

Safety equipment is becoming more important as Chinese consumers seek safer cars. But automakers are slashing production targets as the economy slows. Many suppliers too are cutting back.

 

"We need to take tough decisions to survive through these very difficult times," says Gunnar Dahlen, president of Autoliv's Asia Pacific operations. But so far, the company has not cut production or staff, says spokesperson Olivia Zhao.

 

"This center will further strengthen our market position in China and the world in the future," says Dahlen.

 

The new complex near Shanghai, dedicated on January 16, cost 120 million yuan ($17.6 million). It houses Autoliv's new China headquarters, a new technical center with crash test facilities plus an expanded factory to produce seatbelts and airbags.

 

Trial testing at the crash facility will begin in March, says Alfred Bauberger, global director of development of frontal airbags and test technical manager. The center can run front, side, rollover and other crash tests.

 

The center can also test for heat aging, thermal shocks and salt spray.

 

Autoliv has designed seven separate rooms for automakers for maximum confidentiality of future products.