· Baolong Automotive and thyssenkrupp Bilstein to offer a one-stop-shop solution for shock absorbers and air springs targeting global Automotive OEMs.
Baolong Automotive, a leading manufacturer and supplier of air springs and certain ECAS components in the automotive industry, and thyssenkrupp Bilstein, an internationally renowned developer, manufacturer and Tier 1 supplier of shock absorbers for the global automotive industry, have signed the agreement and officially entered a strategic cooperation to offer a one-stop-shop solution in the global automotive suspension market. The two parties will collaborate in developing, manufacturing, and supplying of suspension products and technologies with a focus on China and Europe regions.
Strong market growth ahead
Semi-active suspension technology in combination with air springs solutions is increasingly becoming the focus of the leading automotive manufacturers. The system represents a premium suspension solution serving future requirements for vehicle electrification and suspension intelligence. End customer needs in ride comfort as well as vehicle safety will be met to highest degree. Double digit growth rates in this segment and the need for integrated product solutions at competitive pricing and uncompromised quality are motivating the cooperation setup by Baolong and Bilstein.
Best of two worlds
Under the agreement, Baolong Automotive and thyssenkrupp Bilstein will jointly expand their competencies and expertise in suspension technologies. Baolong Automotive brings its unique expertise in rubber components R&D, along with its strong capability in electrical/electronic (E/E) production. The company serves dozens of customers worldwide and draws on its previous experience with ECAS systems. thyssenkrupp Bilstein has been developing and manufacturing shock absorbers for more than 70 years. The company is a technology front-runner in semi-active and active damping systems with a global customer portfolio covering major premium automotive OEMs.
Unique product offering
The cooperation will go beyond the traditional Tier 1 and Tier 2supply relationships. The parties will endeavour to make the combined products work seamlessly together as the best product bundling for the customer. To this end, the parties will share know-how and resources to achieve the best product performance. In combination, Baolong and Bilstein can offer all relevant components for an innovative suspension system including hardware and surroundings as well as software. The customers will benefit from having a single point of contact, reduced handling and manufacturing costs as well as integrated engineering solutions with shortened development times. Baolong and Bilstein commit to provide a comprehensive and cost-effective solution to the customer. Still, the customers could remain flexible on a case-by-case basis,either sourcing the bundle from both parties together or selected components separately.
“At Baolong Automotive, we believe in the future of air spring systems in automotive," said Charles Zhang, Chairman & President of Baolong Automotive. "We are excited to partner with thyssenkrupp Bilstein on the innovative "one-stop shop" concept, bringing competitive price and uncompromised quality to customers in China and globally."
"With the ‘One-stop shop’ solution, we will enable global automotive customers to source better air suspension solutions easier and at competitive costs. Bilstein and Baolong complement each other optimally in product portfolio and customer base." said John Kuijpers CEO of thyssenkrupp Bilstein. "Through shared resources from each other, we are confident to become the preferred choice for air suspension solutions in China and globally.”
About Baolong Automotive
Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation was founded in May, 1997 in Songjiang District, Shanghai, and has been listed on Shanghai Stock Exchange since 2017. By the end of 2024, the company has 9 manufacturing campuses, 19 factories, 11 R&D centers, and over 20 sales branches in China (Songjiang District and Pudong District, Shanghai; Ningguo and Hefei, Anhui Province; Wuhan, Hubei Province; Gaoyou, Jiangsu Province), the United States, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria, etc., and more than 7,800 staff around the world. Baolong offers an extensive product portfolio including TPMS, automotive sensors, intelligent driving solutions, ECAS, automotive metal tubing, tire valves, wheel weights, BUSBAR, liquid cold plates, aluminum exteriors, and more. Baolong has become one of the leading global suppliers of tire valves, wheel weights, exhaust pipes, TPMS, and ECAS. It is ranked among China Top 100 Automotive Suppliers and Shanghai Top 50 Manufacturing Enterprises. We’ve proudly supplied to over 2,300 customers in more than 50 countries. Our main customers include major carmakers, tier-1 suppliers, and independent aftermarket distributors around the world.
https://www.baolong.biz/
About thyssenkrupp Bilstein
thyssenkrupp Bilstein represents innovation and high-tech in suspension technology around the world. With competence for the entire chassis, the company has production facilities in Europe, America and China, supplying products for the complete spectrum of shock absorbers. Furthermore, thyssenkrupp Bilstein has for many years been a partner in high demand in the fields of motorsport and car tuning. thyssenkrupp Bilstein supplies the original equipment (OE) and aftermarket (AM) segments. There are currently over 4,500 employees working for thyssenkrupp Bilstein around the world.
https://www.thyssenkrupp-automotive-technology.com/en/company/organizational-structure/bilstein
About thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology
thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology is one of the leading suppliers and development partners of the international automotive industry. The range of products and services includes high-tech components and systems as well as automation solutions for vehicle production. The product range includes chassis technologies such as steering and damper systems and the assembly of axle systems as well as powertrain components for conventional and alternative drives. thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology also develops assembly lines for body shells and produces lightweight body components in series. The business segment generated sales of 7.5 billion euros in the 2023/24 financial year. In addition, we specialize in the production of springs and stabilizers for various types of vehicles, as well as components and systems for tracked undercarriages. Automotive Technology has a global production network with more than 90 locations in Europe, Asia, North and South America.
More information is available at:
Andrew Zhang Colin Wang
Baolong Automotive thyssenkrupp Bilstein
Tel: 021-31273333*6417 Tel: 021-85075622
Mail: andrew@baolong.biz Mail: xinge.wang@thyssenkrupp-automotive.com
