Automotive: Plastic Omnium invests EUR100 mn in R&D centres in Belgium and China;

France’s automotive parts supplier Plastic Omnium has opened two R&D centres in Belgium and China with an investment of EUR100 million, and which are focused on emissions control and fuel systems, as well as new energy developments.

The Chinese centre, known as ω-Omegatech, housing 150 engineers and technicians in Wuhan, provides Plastic Omnium with the resources to support its Asian customers in their quest for clean mobility. With already 57 projects in development, ω-Omegatech will support the group’s rapid growth in China, where its fuel systems market share is expected to double to reach 17% by 2022.

Meanwhile, Δ-Deltatech, close to Brussels Airport in Belgium, focuses on emissions reduction and fuel systems. It will also spearhead R&D into new energies, fuel cells and hydrogen storage. By the end of the year it is expected to house 150 engineers and technicians.

Plastic Omnium says the reduction of polluting emissions is at the centre of its innovation strategy for a cleaner, safer and more connected car.