Marelli, global automotive supplier, headquartered in Saitama, Japan, will open a production facility for electric drivetrains in Cologne, Germany. Start of production is targeted for the first half of 2021.
“With the new production facility, we are expanding our manufacturing footprint and capacities for this important growth market,” said Joachim Fetzer, CEO of Marelli’s Electric Powertrain business. “We have chosen Cologne for its location in the heart of Europe, as we find highly skilled employees with experience in the auto industry here and as the region is developing into a center for e-mobility.”
In the new facility in Cologne, a production line for electric drivetrains will be installed on 18,000 sqm, while there is space for a potential future expansion. At start of production in the first half year of 2021, the facility will employ around 160 employees. Marelli plans to hire up to 60 additional employees throughout 2021.
“Electric powertrain is a core element of Marelli’s growth strategy. We already have a great deal of experience in the market, having been one of the early suppliers of the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), the first hybrid solution in Formula 1, as well as being a pioneer of electric powertrain for Formula E. In the past years, we have been very successful in bringing our technologies for electric mobility to the mass market and with the new facility in Cologne we are in a strong position to continue on that path,” said Fetzer.
Through combined expertise in both electric drives and thermal energy management systems, Marelli offers a unique technology portfolio enabling the design of highly efficient electric vehicle platforms. This includes active and passive systems for the 800-volt high-performance and fast-charging technology, battery management systems, cooling plates, electric compressors and other solutions helping carmakers to improve the overall efficiency of their electric and hybrid vehicles. “We have the ambition to further expand our position as a leading supplier for electric mobility as this market grows dynamically,” added Fetzer.
