Federal-Mogul Powertrain and Dong Feng Motor Parts and Components Group Co (Dong Feng Parts and Components Group), a subsidiary of Dong Feng Motor Corporation, are to set up a new piston joint venture in Shiyan, China, with Federal-Mogul being the majority shareholder.

The new engine component joint venture will operate as a piston manufacturer for Dong Feng Motor Corporation and other customers; the current piston business under Dong Feng Pistons and Bearing Co will also be integrated into the new joint venture company.

"We have established over the years a significant partnership with Dong Feng," said Felix Cheng, vice-president and general manager, China and Korea, Federal-Mogul Powertrain. "This announcement will further strengthen that relationship, as we work together to develop world-class piston solutions that support Dong Feng in meeting the increased demand for engine components that improve fuel economy and reduce emissions."

The new joint venture operation will be located in Shiyan, part of Hubei Province, China. As a global leader in piston technology, Federal-Mogul will design, engineer and manufacture high-performance pistons for passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles under the Dong Feng Motor Corp., helping them to meet current and future emissions regulations in China.

"Dong Feng Parts and Components Group is a subsidiary and key parts supplier to Dong Feng Motor Corp. We have nearly 50 years experience in research and manufacturing," said Chen Xinglin, general manager, Dong Feng Parts and Components Group. "Our cooperation with Federal-Mogul Powertrain in pistons is a win-win strategy and takes full advantage of each other's strengths to drive rapid business growth for pistons and will bring innovative technologies and breakthrough products to Dong Feng vehicles. It also paves the foundation for both companies to further expand the business scope of the joint venture in the future."

Federal-Mogul established its first manufacturing operations in China in 1995. With globally networked engineering and localized production capabilities, the company has established itself as a leader in the Chinese OE market, providing sustainable, high-performance engine components for its customers there.

Today, the company operates 12 wholly-owned or joint venture companies, with the Shiyan facility marking the second piston manufacturing center there. Federal-Mogul Powertrain's Shanghai Technical Center is one of the company's five globally networked engineering and technical centers, providing leading edge technologies and services to OEMs throughout Asia.