Autoliv opens smart steering wheel plant in Hefei to boost global supply capacity

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 16, Autoliv officially inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Hefei, marking the launch of a modern smart factory dedicated to steering wheel production, according to a post on Autoliv's WeChat account.

The plant becomes Autoliv's second specialized steering wheel manufacturing base in China and is designed to strengthen the company's global supply capabilities while supporting its long-term technology and manufacturing roadmap.

The project was formally agreed on March 13, 2024, when Autoliv signed an investment deal with the Hefei municipal government in Anhui province. Located in Feixi County, the site was planned as a large-scale intelligent steering wheel plant with an annual output capacity of several million units, covering roughly 80 mu of land. As Autoliv's first manufacturing operation in Hefei, the factory was conceived from the outset around advanced production processes, extensive digitalization and automation, and construction in line with green factory standards.

According to information released by the company, the facility incorporates a wide range of smart manufacturing solutions. A digital management system enables real-time collection of production data, end-to-end quality traceability and early warning of anomalies. The workshops follow a one-way lean production layout, streamlining processes from injection molding through final assembly to shorten cycle times. Automated warehouses working in tandem with AGV systems further enhance storage utilization and internal logistics efficiency.

Sustainability considerations were embedded into the plant's design from the beginning. The factory roof has been prepared for future installation of distributed photovoltaic systems, allowing for the gradual adoption of clean energy. An on-site wastewater treatment and reuse system supports the recycling of industrial water, while the use of prefabricated steel structures for the main buildings reduces material consumption, shortens construction time and lowers the facility's carbon footprint over its entire life cycle.