Marelli Holdings Co Ltd, a global mobility technology company, will soon expand its engineering team in China from 800 to 1,000 to meet surging local demand for innovation, said its top executive.

Speaking at its booth during the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, or Auto China 2024, which was held in the Chinese capital from April 25 to May 4, David Slump, president and CEO of Marelli, said that the company has long been a fixture in the Chinese automotive scene - a stance that he confirms will continue with significant investments in local talent and technology.

Marelli has introduced several innovative products at Auto China 2024, including new lighting modules integrated with lidar technology and advanced cockpit displays, these products and solutions are all developed in China, said Slump, adding that these innovations are not just pivotal for the Chinese market but are also set to be marketed globally.

In response to the intense competition and price sensitivity of the Chinese market, the executive said that Marelli is pushing forward with its 'lean' initiative. It focuses on products that are not only cost-effective but also reduce complexity and environmental impact.

"Lean doesn't mean cheap and nonfunctional," he said. "It means fewer parts, which leads to less complexity, faster development times and a lower carbon footprint."

Supported by about 5,000 employees in China, Slump said that the company's strategic focus in the country also includes bolstering its workforce, particularly in the field of innovation.

As China embarks on a new phase of growth focused on sustainability and innovation, Slump said the group will deploy more resources to develop greener and artificial intelligence-related products for the Chinese market in the coming years.

Marelli currently operates eight research and development centers and 22 factories across China. It also ships products manufactured in its plants in China to other parts of the world, including Mexico, Thailand and Germany.