China’s top selling automotive brand Changan signed a deal in California’s Silicon Valley on Nov 30 to collaborate with the Plug and Play Tech Center, a self-described “global innovation platform.”

Through the partnership, Changan will have the opportunity to connect with innovative startups to collaborate on business development, investment, licensing and acquisition opportunities through Plug and Play’s industry-specific business accelerator programs.

Representatives from Changan Automobile and Plug and Play Tech Center ink a cooperation contract to build a new R&D office at the Silicon Valley in America. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

Changan Automobile is one of the top four automobile groups in China and the top selling domestic Chinese automotive brand. According to a company spokesperson, the company chose Silicon Valley as a research base for its concentration of innovative software, artificial intelligence and big data analysis startups.

The cooperation will accelerate the globalization of Changan Automobile and be a “great backup” for the company’s research and development on intelligent driving, said a spokesperson.

The flag of Changan Automobile enters the Silicon Valley in America. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

The company aims to build a strong R&D team through the Plug and Play Tech Center by 2018 and utilize the most advanced technologies for smart automobiles.

“The new Changan office set up in Silicon Valley will act as a vital part of the company’s efforts to explore the international market of intelligent automobiles. And it will provide the company the best platform for integrated resources and latest research,” according to a manager of Changan Automobile.

A pilotless car produced by Changan Automobile finished its first run from Chongqing to Beijing this April. [Photo/liangjiang.com.cn]

Edited by Jacob Hooson