Members of the public visit the Buick booth at the 2026 China Mobility Show in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 20. CHINA DAILY
China's fast-growing smart electric vehicle ecosystem is giving China-based teams at multinational automakers a key role in vehicle development and technology integration, as global brands move away from adapting overseas-developed models for the domestic market.
The shift reflects China's growing role as a base for electric powertrains, advanced software, intelligent cabins, driver-assistance technologies and supply chain capabilities.
Renault Group has expanded its research and development presence in China. In June, the French automaker opened a new R&D office in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, as part of its Advanced China Development Center, which was launched in Shanghai in 2024 to develop electric vehicle products for the European market.
The Hangzhou office will focus on software development, artificial intelligence and user experience technologies. Meanwhile, the Shanghai site will specialize in hardware integration, powertrain systems and full-vehicle engineering.
