Shanghai, September 21 (Gasgoo.com) China's first automobile wind tunnel started operation at Tongji University in Shanghai on Sept. 19, making a significant breakthrough in the country's automobile development and production, media reported.

The Shanghai vehicle wind tunnel center, which can simulate all kinds of driving environments and test vehicles' basic standards, will provide testing services for manufacturers of cars, buses, SUVs, trucks and train models. It will also facilitate the research and development (R&D) of new-energy vehicles, high-speed trains and big airplanes.

The wind tunnel center offers a platform to design more energy-efficient and beautiful cars in China, said Yang Zhigang, the center director. The center is equipped up-to-date technology for noise control, ground simulation and measuring precision of aerodynamic forces, he said. "It will strengthen China's competitiveness in the auto market."

More than 10 auto wind tunnels have been built in the world. Previously, Chinese automakers had to pay millions of euros to do wind tunnel testing in foreign countries. With the technology localized, China's car companies will be able to reduce costs by 15% for related testing.

The new facility is located in Jiading District, which has become an "auto city" with a vehicle inspection and examination center, a test-drive center and a new-energy center. Construction began in 2004 and cost 490 million yuan ($72 million).