TÜV SÜD and SAIC-CP Hold High-Level Exchange Meeting to Explore New Global Compliance Strategies for Automotive KD Model

ShanghaiMay 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, a high-level delegation from TÜV SÜD Group (hereinafter referred to as “TÜV SÜD”) visited SAIC Motor-CP Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “SAIC Motor-CP”) and Huayu-CP Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Huayu-CP”), holding high-level exchange talks. Dirk von Wahl, CEO of TÜV SÜD North Asia; Li Zhongheng, CFO of TÜV SÜD North Asia; and Zhao Chongmin, Director of the Greater China Transportation Service Division, along with Da Shenshen, General Manager of SAIC Motor-CP; Hou Liming, General Manager of Huayu-CP; and representatives from SAIC Motor’s Large Passenger Vehicle R&D Department, jointly attended the exchange event.

This high-level meeting aimed to review the outcomes of bilateral cooperation and engage in in-depth discussions on compliance strategies for complete vehicles and components under the overseas KD (Knock Down) factory model. Previously, TÜV SÜD had assisted SAIC Motor-CP, as the certificate holder, in passing the initial factory assessment for EU type approval and obtaining the UN R155 Certificate of Compliance for Vehicle Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS) and the UN R156 Certificate of Compliance for Software Update Management System (SUMS). During the talks, another milestone was achieved in their cooperation—TÜV SÜD awarded Huayu-CP UN R100 type approval certificates for two models of automotive power batteries, designated HASCO141A42S and HASCO168A53S. This series of cooperative achievements has built a solid compliance foundation for SAIC Motor-CP’s complete vehicles and supply chain to efficiently enter broader global markets under the KD model.

Dirk von Wahl of TÜV SÜD expressed gratitude for the warm reception from SAIC Motor-CP and Huayu-CP, and highly praised their operational and manufacturing standards. He noted that the issuance of the UN R100 type approval certificate marks a significant milestone in the history of their cooperation. It not only demonstrates the technical strength of SAIC Motor-CP’s proprietary supply chain but also underscores the unwavering commitment of the entire industry chain to comply with stringent international electric vehicle electrical safety technical regulations. He particularly emphasized that past cooperation between TÜV SÜD and SAIC Motor mainly focused on supporting the global market access of vehicles and components manufactured locally in China. However, this provision of compliance services tailored to the needs of SAIC Motor’s overseas KD factories represents a significant breakthrough in their cooperation model, signaling a new phase in their partnership. Going forward, TÜV SÜD will leverage its cross-regional service capabilities to offer SAIC Motor-CP and SAIC Motor “end-to-end” solutions covering R&D, certification, production, and ongoing compliance.

Da Shenshen of SAIC Motor-CP welcomed the visit of the TÜV SÜD delegation and thanked TÜV SÜD for its long-standing professional support. He pointed out that SAIC Motor-CP, as the core manufacturing base for the MG brand in the ASEAN region, has always adhered to the group’s vision of “Leading Green Technology, Pursuing Intelligent Mobility,” committed to meeting the demands of the Thai and global automotive markets through continuous innovation in products and services. The awarding of the UN R100 type approval certificate to Huayu-CP for its power batteries represents a major breakthrough in the deep localization of core components under the KD model, showcasing the technical capability of the proprietary supply chain to meet stringent international regulations. He looks forward to both parties continuing to move forward together amidst the waves of future industrial transformation, jointly promoting the green and sustainable development of the regional automotive industry.

Against the backdrop of accelerating restructuring of the global automotive industry value chain and a significant trend towards regionalized production, the KD model has become a strategic choice for many automakers to achieve rapid localized production and adapt to regional markets. However, challenges such as production consistency control across multiple countries, complex and changing market regulatory environments, and differing requirements across jurisdictions impose higher demands on automakers. Addressing these pain points, both parties focused on discussing the quality and compliance pathways for products exported to neighboring regional countries and even markets like the EU under the KD factory model throughout their lifecycle. They also exchanged in-depth views on topics including regulatory requirements for key components such as power batteries and T-boxes, the innovative concept of COP (Conformity of Production) combined audits, and new challenges posed by the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 regarding sustainability and traceability. Leveraging its global resource network and deep expertise in technical regulations, TÜV SÜD provided forward-looking strategic recommendations for SAIC Motor-CP to build a future-oriented global compliance management system.

During the discussions, both parties agreed to continue deepening collaboration in areas such as complete vehicle type approval, multi-country market access, cybersecurity and autonomous driving compliance certification, component type certification, after-sales service, as well as new battery regulations and digital passports. They aim to further strengthen the compliance closed-loop capability from the R&D end to overseas production, jointly addressing the uncertainties and challenges arising from the industrial chain restructuring process.

TÜV SÜD and SAIC Motor have been collaborating for thirteen years. This high-level meeting and exchange activity in Thailand marks TÜV SÜD’s evolution from a “technical service provider” to a “global compliance strategic partner,” deeply embedding itself into SAIC Motor’s overseas production layout and technology governance chain. By continuously deepening strategic collaboration with SAIC Motor-CP and SAIC Motor, TÜV SÜD is committed to helping Chinese automotive brands achieve stable and long-term success in the Thai and ASEAN markets, jointly driving the regional automotive industry towards an electrified, intelligent, and sustainable future, and working with global partners to build a safer, greener, and more efficient new energy vehicle industry ecosystem.