The Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), GM's automotive engineering and design joint venture with SAIC, opened China's most advanced vehicle safety lab today in Shanghai.

The vehicle safety lab demonstrates the ongoing commitment of SAIC and GM to develop vehicles in China. Shanghai GM and PATAC are entrenched in China's automotive industry and have been major factors behind the industry's growth.  Both joint ventures will continue to enjoy access to the resources of their parent companies in order to strengthen their competitiveness and industry leadership, which will promote the sustainable development of China's automotive industry.

The new facility features a whole vehicle safety lab, sled impact test lab and sub-system safety test lab.  The facility has 33 cameras, 27 crash test dummies of different ages and genders, and complete modules for pedestrian protection testing.  It is built to GM's global standards. 

The vehicle safety lab is capable of conducting sensor calibration on the head, chest, legs and other body parts, thus making it possible for engineers to certify the achievement of safety standards more quickly and completely.  In addition to carrying out crash tests on its own, PATAC's vehicle safety lab will also be able to carry out testing for GM on a worldwide basis.

Among the firsts in China for PATAC's vehicle safety lab, the sled impact test lab is the first that is able to carry out front pitch collision testing, which offers results similar to real-world crashes.  In addition, the sub-system safety test lab is the first in China to include a complete pedestrian protection module, while the vehicle safety lab can conduct front, side and rear-end collisions, thereby addressing the testing requirements of major vehicle safety laws and regulations around the world.

In conjunction with PATAC's chassis lab, sound vibration lab, electrical and electronic lab, structure lab, emission lab, engine and transmission lab, material lab and other world-class facilities, the vehicle safety lab will support whole vehicle development in China for China.

James Queen, GM Vice President of Global Vehicle Engineering, said: "The GM global safety team is proud of its role in working with PATAC on China's leading vehicle safety lab, which leverages some of the most advanced industry technology.  As a result, the lab is truly world class.  This is part of GM's long-term dedication to our joint ventures and to our customers across China."

Ding Lei, Vice President of SAIC said, "The launch of the vehicle safety lab at PATAC complements the industry-leading technology already adopted by Shanghai GM and PATAC.  PATAC's latest achievement will ensure that our forthcoming products meet the absolutely highest standards for quality."

During today's opening ceremony, the first vehicle crash test was conducted at the vehicle safety lab.  A Buick New Regal from Shanghai GM did a 40 percent Offset Deformable Barrier crash test at 56 km/h with satisfactory results.

The passenger cabin remained intact with no deformation found in the A column, front seat air bags deployed as designed, and the front passenger side door could still be opened, demonstrating the outstanding safety performance delivered by the New Regal.  In addition, the crash test dummy remained safely fastened to the seat by the safety belt and its impact on the air bag showed the driver was greatly protected.

The Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) is a 50-50 joint venture between GM and SAIC.  Established in 1997, it provides automotive engineering services including design, development, testing and validation of components and vehicles.  Among its achievements is the reengineering of the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SLS and other products for Shanghai GM.  PATAC is participating in Shanghai GM's Drive to Green strategy.

Source : internet

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