The rapid growth of modern and intelligent production capabilities has become the key to the revitalization of the motorcycle industry in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality.
A motorcycle manufacturer in Chongqing said that their research and development process involve almost daily high-intensity extreme performance testing. In a rain-soaked testing, the vehicle traversed steep slopes, jumps and slippery surfaces, demonstrating its power, shock absorption and handling capabilities.
"This motorcycle is equipped with the latest generation of powertrain technology, boasting a torque exceeding 500 Nm. We are also developing the next generation of new products, challenging ourselves to achieve the same result using magnesium alloys, which would be more than 30 percent lighter than aluminum alloys," said Tang Yong, deputy director of the Chongqing Xinyuan Motorcycle Research Institute.
Beyond improved power, domestic manufacturers have also made breakthroughs in key engine technologies, breaking the long-standing monopoly of foreign companies.
"We specifically developed a variable valve system, breaking the long-standing foreign monopoly. Related precision components can now be manufactured with high precision, and by combining our efforts, we have formed an integrated capability in research and development," said Zhang Bin, chief engineer in innovation and technology research at the Loncin General Technology Center.
On the production side, intelligent transformation is also accelerating. Chongqing has built the first state-of-the-art intelligent factory in the motorcycle industry, with robotic arms automating assembly and a digital twin system monitoring the entire process, significantly improved production efficiency and product stability.
"This factory is the first state-of-the-art intelligent factory in the motorcycle industry in China, and it is also leading compared to its counterparts in Europe, America and Japan, which provides a stronger guarantee for the production of high-end medium and large-displacement products," said Chen Yifang, executive deputy general manager, Loncin General Power.
Currently, Chongqing has gathered more than 50 vehicle manufacturers and more than 400 upstream and downstream parts suppliers, with the local supply rate of fuel motorcycles exceeding 80 percent.
"Due to the relatively complete industry and convenient design and development, the cycle of research and development can be greatly shortened and manufacturing costs can be reduced. The typical cycle for developing a new product and putting it into production is 24 months, but in Chongqing, the cycle can be shortened to 12 to 15 months," Tang said.
Modern, intelligent production fuels motorcycle industry in Chongqing
