Porsche opens first integrated R&D hub outside Germany in Shanghai

Porsche has officially opened its first integrated overseas R&D center in Shanghai’s Hongqiao CBD, marking a major milestone in its “In China, for China” strategy. The 10,000-square-meter facility, operational from 5 November 2025, is designed to accelerate local innovation by merging Porsche’s engineering excellence with China’s fast-paced digital ecosystem.

“China is leading the way in future mobility, combining electrification, digitalization, and new luxury concepts,” said Dr. Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, at the opening ceremony. “Solving the challenges of this transformation isn’t possible from afar – it has to happen here. The China R&D is a strategic pillar that connects German engineering with China’s digital future. This center will help us move faster, learn more, and strengthen Porsche R&D globally.”

The new R&D facility consolidates Porsche’s existing operations – including the Technical Division, Porsche Engineering China, and Porsche Digital China – into a single, comprehensive hub. With over 300 engineers already on site, the center integrates R&D, procurement, and quality functions to operate with enhanced autonomy and agility.

The Shanghai R&D hub is already delivering results. Its first major achievement is a next-generation, China-exclusive infotainment system, set to launch across several Porsche model lines starting mid-2026.

Porsche’s journey in China began in 2014 with the establishment of Porsche Engineering’s Shanghai office. This was followed by the founding of Porsche Digital China in 2021 and the launch of a local R&D satellite in 2022.