Applus+ acquires CFI, strengthening its automotive testing in China

We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Suzhou Chunfen Test Technology Services Co., Ltd (CFI), a leading automotive testing provider based in Taicang, 20 minutes from the Jiading (Shanghai) automotive cluster.   

CFI is a successful and renowned laboratory that provides automotive component testing for a growing client base of leading manufacturers. It is equipped and backed up by solid accreditations, high-tech capabilities, and a diligent team of more than 50 experts. 

As the automotive industry aims to meet new challenges and time to market, optimizing and facilitating the testing process for quality control and R&D is critical.  

Alongside Applus+ Reliable Analysis, this new acquisition allows us to consolidate all automotive component testing in one place. It also reinforces and expands our current portfolio in China, vital steps to optimize and facilitate the process for local and international OEMs.    

As a testing and certification provider, our Laboratories division has an extensive track record supporting the Automotive, Aerospace, Green Energy, IT and Construction industries. With more than 2,000 employees, we are headquartered in Spain but boast an extensive network of laboratories in Europe, Asia and North America.   

Highly invested in new energy vehicles and cybersecurity, our automotive testing labs are strategically in China, the Unites States, the European Union, and United Kingdom, top hub spots for automotive firms and development projects. Our Division excels in testing new components in electric vehicles, such as e-motors, inverters, On Board Chargers (OBCs) and battery packs, amongst other automotive components.   

The CFI acquisition is framed within our strategic plan to gain strength in key technologies and capabilities to support our clients in the worldwide technological change derived from energy transition, electrification and connectivity. 

Mauricio Ubeda, Executive Vice President of our Laboratories Division, says: “CFI’s incorporation into Applus+ complements our extensive automotive component testing services. Thanks to this new acquisition, we can consolidate our leading role as a one-stop shop for automotive components in China, a strategic market for our growth." 

Yun Xiaotao and Zhao Hai, General Managers of CFI, highlight: “We are proud of what we have achieved since the company’s foundation. Joining the Applus+ Group reinforces and expands our capabilities and will enable us to grow even more in the future. Expanding our testing capabilities beyond Asia and into the international scope will give us a great competitive advantage. Our integration will help optimize OEM’s time to market and make us a one-stop shop suited to meet all automotive component needs”