In 1964, the first hydrofoil equipped with the MTU 493 series engine was delivered to Hong Kong.
In 1967, the first German locomotive fitted with the MTU 652 series engine was delivered to mainland China.
As a world-leading provider of power system solutions, MTU (a brand under Rolls-Royce Power Systems) has deeply rooted its presence in China for over 60 years since entering the Chinese market in the 1960s. Starting from early power supporting for marine vessels and locomotives, and expanding to the localization of nuclear power emergency power supplies, data center power assurance, construction machinery and mining power solutions, MTU has consistently driven the high-quality development of China’s high-end equipment manufacturing and energy security sectors through advanced technologies, comprehensive regional layout and in-depth local cooperation.
In 1964, the first hydrofoil equipped with MTU 493 series engines arrived in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of MTU’s cooperation with the Chinese market. In 1967, German locomotives powered by MTU 652 series engines entered mainland China, setting a benchmark for high-end power in the transportation equipment industry. In 1974, MTU Singapore Branch (today’s MTU Asia) was established, building an Asia-Pacific spare parts and service network to deliver efficient localized support for Chinese customers.
In 1986, MTU officially opened its first office in Beijing, symbolizing the brand’s full-scale strategic layout in China. In 1994, MTU began supplying emergency diesel generator sets for nuclear power plants including Qinshan and Daya Bay. With highly reliable power solutions, it has consolidated nuclear power safety defenses and secured a leading position in the field of nuclear emergency power supply. In 1996, MTU Hong Kong subsidiary was founded. In the same year, MTU Engine Engineering (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. settled in Suzhou Industrial Park, serving as a core service and training base to deliver long-term technical support for domestic clients.
In 2006, the Suzhou facility relocated and expanded the production line for the 2000 series engines, gradually realizing the localized manufacturing of high-end power products. From 2007 onwards, branch offices in Shanghai, Beijing and other key cities were successively launched, forming a nationwide service network covering core regions. In 2008, MTU established a joint venture with Shanxi Diesel Engine Industry Co., Ltd., focusing on the production of nuclear emergency diesel generator sets with a maximum single-unit power of 6300kWe, continuously safeguarding national nuclear energy security.
In 2017, MTU joined hands with Guangxi Yuchai Machinery to establish Yuchai MTU Power Co., Ltd., opening a new chapter in the localization of power products for commercial vehicles and construction machinery. In 2018, MTU’s first customer service center in China and the fourth worldwide was put into operation in Suzhou, realizing standardized and professional customer service upgrading. In 2019, MTU completed brand integration and was incorporated into the Rolls-Royce Solutions portfolio. Meanwhile, the Suzhou Powertrain Technology Center was founded, integrated into the global R&D network to precisely meet customized demands from Chinese customers. In 2020, the first R&D and test bench at the Suzhou base was commissioned, covering testing and verification for MTU 2000, 3000 and 4000 series engines.
In 2021, MTU Engine Engineering (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. was renamed Rolls-Royce Power Systems (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., completing brand optimization and equity restructuring. In the same year, MTU and Shanghai Kote Power established Shanghai Kote MTU Power Equipment Co., Ltd., specializing in the R&D and manufacturing of diesel generator sets for data centers and computing hubs. The 1,000th unit rolled off the production line in 2024, strongly supporting the power guarantee for digital infrastructure construction.
In 2023, Shanxi North MTU completed equity adjustment and rebranding, continuing to manufacture high-end emergency generator sets under license and serving China’s nuclear power market steadily. In 2024, the 2,000th engine was produced at Yuchai MTU, and the two parties signed a Phase II joint venture agreement to expand production capacity and product portfolio. In 2025, MTU 4000 series mining power products were officially introduced into Yuchai MTU for local production, further improving the domestic power supply system for mining equipment.
From marine and railway power to nuclear energy and data center solutions, and from complete equipment supply to full-chain localized R&D, manufacturing and services, MTU has always centered on market demands in China. Through technological innovation, joint venture cooperation and service optimization, it has built a complete industrial ecosystem covering power equipment, emergency power supply, customer services and spare parts support. Moving forward, Rolls-Royce Power Systems will further deepen its investment and layout in China. Together with local partners, it will empower China’s high-end manufacturing, energy security and green low-carbon development with world-class high-end power solutions.
