China's biggest automobile producer, the Shanghai Automotive Industry (Group) Corporation (SAIC), has set up a research and development center, the first of its kind for a Chinese auto manufacturer.
The center, known as the Automotive Engineering Academy of SAIC,was designed to help SAIC develop basic technology for producing an entire car.
A SAIC spokesman said the center signified the beginning of China's efforts to develop auto technology independently.
Until now, Chinese auto makers have relied on imported technology and joint research and development.
SAIC tops the list of China's 500 biggest industrial firms.
(People's Daily August 5, 2002)
