Dalian, China, June 25, 2024—Currently, China is committed to creating a new development pattern with domestic circulation as the mainstay and mutual promotion of domestic and international circulations. Against this backdrop, Knorr, a global leader in commercial vehicle system solutions, held a grand celebration in Dalian, China, marking the completion and commencement of operations of its new brake system factory and commemorating twenty years of localized production of Knorr commercial vehicle systems. Distinguished guests from all sectors gathered in this coastal city to witness and celebrate this milestone. The completion of the new factory in Dalian signifies Knorr’s advancement in advanced manufacturing, green environmental protection, and technological innovation in China, injecting new impetus into the green and intelligent transformation and high-quality development of China’s commercial vehicle industry.
A New Benchmark in the Industry
Knorr’s new brake system factory in Dalian is located on the picturesque Dalian coast, adjacent to the 5A-level Jinshitan Resort Area, enjoying unique geographical advantages that blend natural beauty with modern industrial aesthetics. The new factory covers an area of 40,000 square meters with a building area of 30,625 square meters, including 11,000 square meters of advanced manufacturing workshops, 7,000 square meters of intelligent warehouses, and a 3,000-square-meter technology research and development center, laying a solid foundation for large-scale, high-quality production. Integrating cutting-edge technologies such as robotic arms and intelligent logistics systems, along with precise cleanliness inspection, coordinate measurement, and X-ray detection equipment, the new factory ensures that every product meets industry-leading standards. With annual production capacities of 1 million units for air compressors, 1 million units for shock absorbers, and 700,000 units for disc brakes, it meets the demands of both domestic and global markets.
Knorr’s Dalian factory not only serves as a production base but also exemplifies green building practices. The rooftop solar energy project has successfully connected to the grid, contributing 13% of the factory’s clean energy. The new factory actively adopts low-energy consumption production methods, such as rainwater recycling systems for resource reuse, strict implementation of wastewater treatment, and waste classification and recycling policies, steadfastly promoting environmental protection. The goal is to increase the proportion of green energy use to 30% by 2030. Knorr is committed to sustainable development through practical actions, leading the industry in green upgrading and setting a new benchmark for green intelligent manufacturing.
Innovation Driving Technological Progress
Knorr China has always been committed to technological innovation, continuously advancing commercial vehicle technology. The Dalian new factory is just a microcosm of its innovative development path. In the field of braking systems, Knorr possesses leading technologies and a rich product line to meet the diverse needs of different types of commercial vehicles. Moreover, Knorr actively explores areas such as autonomous driving, intelligent steering, and chassis control, providing strong technical support and guarantees for the intelligent development of China’s commercial vehicle industry.
At this event, Knorr showcased its proud advanced systems to attending guests: the latest generation EBS system deeply localized in production, supporting intelligent driving and electrification. Not only does it meet functional safety and information security requirements, but it also boasts superior cost competitiveness. The development and production of the AMT shift actuator have higher integration and durability, meeting integrated AMT demands with faster response times. Knorr’s products provide security guarantees for the global commercial vehicle market with outstanding performance and reliability. Additionally, the second-generation AHPS steer-by-wire system enables customizable functional modes to meet the demands of assisted driving and highly automated driving. These advanced technologies represent Knorr’s solid strides on the path of innovation and its commitment to driving the commercial vehicle industry towards a smarter, more environmentally friendly, and higher-quality future.
Twenty Years of Local Commitment, Unchanged Initial Aspiration
Knorr’s localization production in China began in 2004, and over the past twenty years, Knorr China has always adhered to the core values of “reliability, innovation, and leadership,” continuously promoting the innovation and upgrading of commercial vehicle technology. In the field of braking systems, Knorr has leading technologies and a rich product line to meet the braking system needs of different types of commercial vehicles. At the same time, based on the uniqueness of the Chinese market and the diversity of Chinese user demands, Knorr continues to actively explore areas such as autonomous driving, intelligent steering, and chassis control, expanding from initial core product lines to comprehensive layouts covering multiple fields such as rail transportation and commercial vehicles, witnessing the magnificent journey of China’s manufacturing industry upgrade and transformation.
The completion of the Dalian new factory not only represents a significant expansion of Knorr’s localized production capabilities in China but also a strong practice of Knorr’s concept of “integrating global wisdom and deepening local practices.” Upholding its initial commitment to deep local engagement, Knorr Dalian emerged in response to keen insights into changes and opportunities in the Chinese market. Through proactive strategic adjustments, capacity expansion, optimization of product structure, and response to customer and market demands, Knorr continuously injects strong vitality into the intelligent development of China’s commercial vehicle industry and the “dual-carbon strategy” advocated by the Chinese government.
Sharing Responsibility, Building the Future Together
China has long been Knorr’s strategic market and second home for Knorr commercial vehicle systems. As a large multinational enterprise “growing here,” Knorr understands the corporate social responsibilities it should shoulder. Over the past two decades, it has not only contributed to China’s economic development but also actively contributed to the prosperity of local markets and social employment. Knorr commercial vehicle systems have not only achieved leaps and bounds in their own development but also actively participated in community construction and local public welfare projects, promoting international exchanges and cooperation, and serving as a bridge between Eastern and Western technologies and cultures. Knorr also spares no effort in cultivating local talents and promoting green sustainable development, demonstrating corporate social responsibility and commitment.
The completion of Knorr’s commercial vehicle system Dalian new factory marks another new milestone in the development of Knorr’s commercial vehicle system in China, symbolizing Knorr China’s new heights in advanced manufacturing, green environmental protection, and technological innovation. On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of Knorr’s localization production of commercial vehicle systems, Knorr once again sends a strong message to the Chinese market: it will continue to uphold the development philosophy of “innovation leading, quality first,” continuously optimize a rich product portfolio and solutions, enhance product quality and technological level, and continuously meet the sustainable development needs of China’s commercial vehicle industry, working together with Chinese peers to create a better future for transportation.
