January 16, 2020: Clarios, the world’s largest lead battery maker, opened a new Asia HQ office in Shanghai on December 30. The new office is in the heart of the new Gubei central business district.

The move “signifies Clarios’ strategic priority and commitment to growing and gaining a stronger leadership position in this critical region”, according to external communications manager Abi Chin, in Shanghai.

“Driven by the continuous economic growth and the world’s largest car park, China has a large and growing market for advanced batteries, from both new car purchasing and replacement battery purchasing,” she said.

“Meanwhile, China is leading the increasing electrification trends for higher demands on emissions, safety, comfort and convenience, where advanced batteries will play a critical role.”

The move comes two and a half years after the former company, Johnson Controls, opened a massive Asia-Pacific headquarters in the city, which until now Clarios has shared.

Johnson Controls sold its battery business, Johnson Controls Power Solutions, to Brookfield Business Partners on May 1 last year for $13 billion.

It then re-launched as Clarios, with a new logo and website. Joe Walicki was made president and CEO but retired the following September.