Shanghai. February 22 (Gasgoo.com) - BYD Auto, the Shenzhen-based Chinese auto maker, held an opening ceremony for a R&D center in Shenzhen yesterday. Meanwhile, the automaker also started production of an engine model it developed on its own efforts in the same day.
The new center will be used to test core components for BYD's electric vehicle, the company said on its website. Last month, BYD displayed a hybrid-electric F6 sedan in Detroit, which is due to hit the Chinese market in small volume by the end of this year.
Prior to this center, BYD operates another one in Shanghai.
Founded in 1995, BYD group is now the world's largest cell-phone battery maker. In 2003, the company branched out to automobile manufacturing businessby acquiring a now defunct Xi'an Qinchuan Automobile Co. and Beijing Jichi Motor Dies Co.
Earlier this month, BYD Auto unveiled a target to sell 200,000 vehicles in China this year, doubling its sales record last year.