China's Dongfeng Motor Corp has established its first overseas research and development center after buying a 70 percent stake in a Swedish engineering firm, the Chinese newspaper New Express reported.

Sweden's T Engineering AB, formerly a unit of the bankrupt car manufacturer Saab Automobile AB, has 32 employees researching technologies related to internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles, electric cars and chassis control systems, among other products.

Dongfeng Motor's first operation dedicated to overseas research and development, the center is expected to provide technical support to the company's passenger and commercial vehicle business.

With help from Saab's experience in developing automotive software and electronics products, T Engineering's business may expand into electronic architecture.

China Daily - Agencies