Longrun Accelerates R&D in Cutting-Edge Technologies—Ensuring Safe and Precise Steering for Intelligent Driving

Recently, Chongqing Longrun Automotive Steering Systems Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Longrun Steering”) released its performance report for the first half of this year. Total sales of complete automotive steering systems reached 1.4 million sets, up about 30% year on year; total output value amounted to RMB 850 million, an increase of approximately 25% compared with the same period last year…

Founded in 2001, Longrun Steering is a national-level “Little Giant” enterprise specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of complete automotive steering systems and core steering components. The company has obtained more than 200 patent grants in the field of electric steering control, and its electric power-assisted steering systems are widely supplied to mainstream new-energy vehicle models in China.

The company’s performance growth stems from its sustained focus on its core business, optimized product portfolio, and the use of technological breakthroughs to unlock new growth drivers. In recent years, Longrun has shifted its strategic emphasis to mastering the core technologies of electric power-assisted steering systems, deepened collaboration with renowned international firms, increased investment in cutting-edge R&D, and successfully developed multiple automotive steering system solutions.

In Longrun Steering’s production workshop, dozens of robots with “arms” in motion operate in an orderly manner, as the intelligent production lines run at full capacity. Production data from each stage are aggregated and analyzed, then displayed in real time on the central control screen in the central control room. “The transformation toward intelligence and green manufacturing has effectively unlocked the company’s production capacity, boosting production efficiency by nearly 100% compared with pre-transformation levels while reducing production costs by about 25%,” said He Delong, Chief Engineer of Longrun Steering.

“The launch of new products has opened up fresh market opportunities, driving growth in the company’s output value,” He Delong told reporters. He explained that the company is aligning with the trend toward new-energy vehicles and focusing on areas such as new-energy and autonomous cars, continuously investing in R&D and production capacity for new products. To date, it has developed nearly 100 steering-system models tailored for new-energy vehicles, effectively meeting market demand and securing orders from numerous domestic OEMs. “Our newly launched brushless electric power-assisted steering system this year is smaller and lighter than previous models, while delivering improved performance and enhanced safety. Within just one month of its market debut, sales have already exceeded 20,000 units,” He Delong said.

Longrun Steering is not content with its current R&D achievements and sales performance; instead, it promptly anticipates market shifts and proactively plans its product portfolio. “At present, electric power-assisted steering systems dominate the automotive steering market. However, as intelligent driving technologies continue to advance, the future demand will increasingly favor steer-by-wire systems—systems that occupy less space and offer higher safety,” said Zhang Jian, Director of Longrun Steering’s Technology Center. While upgrading its product lineup to electric steering systems, Longrun Steering is also steadily expanding into system-integrated solutions for the intelligent-driving domain.

Zhang Jian explained that, for different brands and vehicle types, Longrun Steering customizes relevant parameters such as power-assist level and vehicle speed matching through fine-tuning, thereby making the steering-assist system more intelligent and tailored to individual needs, and enhancing steering precision and agility. Recently, the company invested RMB 40 million to develop a customer-specific wire-controlled steering system capable of supporting advanced driver-assistance systems. This system incorporates a brand-new steering-control algorithm and features a more flexible motor layout; by adjusting the tooth-profile parameters of the electric-assist end gear shaft and rack, it can deliver even more optimal assist performance.

To further promote innovation and development within the company, Longrun has invested RMB 200 million in constructing an electric power steering system testing center, which was officially put into operation this year. Our reporter observed that the 2,700-square-meter facility houses multiple test zones, including those for functional performance, fatigue durability, electrical performance, and a soundproof chamber, where staff are currently conducting testing on new products. According to Cheng Jie, Deputy General Manager of Longrun Steering, the company has established R&D centers in Shanghai and Chongqing, collaborates with universities on technological research, and boasts an R&D team of nearly 300 professionals.

Long Fenggang, Chairman and General Manager of Longrun Steering, stated that the company will align itself with the development trend of intelligent, connected, and new-energy vehicles, strive to optimize, strengthen, and expand its automotive steering product portfolio, and continue to invest heavily in areas such as intelligent steering, intelligent braking, intelligent suspension, and intelligent drive systems. The company will further enhance its independent innovation capabilities and bolster its competitive edge. (Wu Lumu, Economic Daily)