Japanese producers of compressors, the main component used in automobile air conditioning systems, are accelerating their transfer of manufacturing capacity to China, according to a report by Nikkei. Matsushita Electric Industrial is to add a new production line dedicated to making auto compressors at a joint venture in Guangzhou. The line will have a capacity of 150,000 units a year and will target in particular the Chinese passenger car operations of Honda and Toyota.
Sanden Corp plans to start compressor production at a 50-50 joint venture in Shanghai, targeting Shanghai Volkswagen and other automakers. The venture is expected to produce 150,000 units in the first year.
Last year, a joint venture involving Toyoda Gansu and Denso Corp produced 80,000 compressors, supplying firms that include Toyota and Honda.