Porsche has inaugurated its first fully integrated research and development center outside Germany, located in Shanghai’s Hongqiao Central Business District. The new 10,000-square-meter facility, operational since November 5, 2025, is a key component of Porsche’s “In China, for China” approach, aiming to combine the company’s engineering expertise with China’s dynamic digital environment.
The opening event brought together Porsche AG board members, local government representatives, and strategic collaborators, underscoring the hub’s role in the automaker’s global innovation network.
“China is leading the way in future mobility, combining electrification, digitalization, and new luxury concepts,” said Dr. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, at the opening ceremony. “Solving the challenges of this transformation isn’t possible from afar – it has to happen here. The China R&D is a strategic pillar that connects German engineering with China’s digital future. This center will help us move faster, learn more, and strengthen Porsche R&D globally.”
By consolidating existing Porsche operations—including the Technical Division, Porsche Engineering China and Porsche Digital China—under one roof, the new center supports enhanced agility and decision-making autonomy. More than 300 engineers are already collaborating on research, procurement and quality assurance, streamlining workflows and shortening development cycles.
“Today marks a defining moment in our commitment to China,” said Alexander Pollich, President and CEO of Porsche China. “This center is our promise to deliver intelligent solutions that deeply connect to the digital life and specific needs of our Chinese customers, while unmistakably being Porsche in every drive, as well as maintaining Porsche’s engineering quality and reliability standards.”
“The China R&D allows us to tap directly into the country’s fast-moving innovation ecosystem. This has enabled a significant acceleration of our development pace, cutting cycle times from years to months. As a result, we can respond to the evolving needs of Chinese customers with greater speed and in a more targeted manner,” said Sajjad Khan, member of the Executive Board Car-IT.
“It brings Porsche’s iconic design philosophy into the digital world with bold, clarity and precision,” said Li Nan, head of China R&D and vice president of Technical Division of Porsche China. “Featuring an AI-powered voice assistant based on large language models, immersive 3D vehicle controls, and deep integration with China’s digital ecosystem, this system represents how we’re creating intelligent experiences that resonate locally while staying true to our global brand DNA.”
Building on its presence in China since 2014, including the 2021 launch of Porsche Digital China and a 2022 R&D satellite office, Porsche’s Shanghai center now serves as both an extension of its Weissach engineering hub and an independent innovation engine.
“Our China R&D is founded on many years of innovation in this country. It will complement our R&D Center in Weissach and act as an additional innovation hub, leveraging China’s fast-evolving technology landscape,” said Dr. Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for R&D. “By combining our engineering excellence with China’s digital strengths, we aim to create something truly unique.”
Source: Porsche Newsroom
