ANN ARBOR — A Chinese auto supplier will build a new United States research and development center in Washtenaw County’s Pittsfield Township, state and local economic development officials said.
SF Motors Inc., a subsidiary of the Chinese carmaker and auto supplier Sokon Industry Group, will invest more than $10.7 million in the project, which is projected to create 150 new jobs. SF Motors is based in the San Francisco area.
“Ann Arbor attracts global attention from companies like SF Motors because it’s one of the few places in the world that has a confluence of mobility innovation and talent,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor Spark, the economic development agency for Washtenaw and Livingston counties. “The significant investment that SF Motors is making in the Ann Arbor region is a sign of confidence. The company recognizes that this region can support its long-term growth as it works to bring its electric vehicle technology to market.”
Said SF Motors CEO John Zhang: “Michigan is at the cutting edge of new automotive technologies as well as being an engineering powerhouse and we want to be a part of this great community.”
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. awarded the project a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.
“Despite the transformation of the automotive industry in the world, Michigan remains the global center for automotive research and development,” Sokon chairman Xinghai Zhang said. “The establishment of our engineering R&D center in Michigan is an integral part of our global business strategy. We are thankful for the support the State of Michigan has shown us and look forward to working with the local government for years to come.”
More at www.AnnArborUSA.org.