China leads mobility innovation, says European testing firm chief

LONDON, March 4 (Xinhua) -- China continues to set the pace in the mobility industry, particularly in consumer-facing innovations for connectivity and convenience, said Connor McCormack, CEO of automotive testing, inspection, and certification firm UTAC, on Wednesday.

UTAC, which has long operated in the British market, announced on Monday a major expansion in China's East Anhui Province with plans to build a high-tech proving ground in the province's Huainan city, and to establish a long-term strategic partnership with the Huainan municipal government.

The new facility will serve as UTAC Group's strategic operational base in China, providing advanced testing facilities and expertise for the mobility industry, McCormack said.

The proving ground will feature comprehensive tracks for vehicle testing, a technology park with workshops and offices for rental, and a bespoke conference and exhibition center. Purpose-built laboratories will be equipped with the latest equipment for testing next-generation technology-driven new energy vehicles, according to UTAC.

McCormack added that the Huainan proving ground will serve as a dedicated hub for advanced safety testing and validation by combining the momentum of the Chinese market with the firm's global expertise, helping Chinese manufacturers accelerate development and prepare vehicles for international markets.

Anhui, with a population of about 70 million, has an extensive mobility ecosystem that includes major automakers and supply chains, UTAC said. The province built around 3.7 million vehicles in 2025, leading China in overall vehicle manufacturing, new-energy vehicle output, and vehicle exports, it added.

In 2025, Anhui topped the nation in terms of auto production with 3.69 million units, including 1.79 million new energy vehicles. Hefei, the capital of Anhui, is characterized by strong labor demand from automakers like NIO, JAC and BYD, as well as their suppliers.