Delphi Corporation, a global auto-parts giant based in the United States, opened its technical research and development center in East China's Shanghai on Wednesday.

The center boasts two experimental buildings with more than 500 engineers, scientists and technical professionals.

"China has a promising and fast-growing auto market. The operation of the center will greatly promote the research and development capabilities of China's auto-parts industry," said Steve Miller, chairman and CEO of the company.

The center, located at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, covers an area of more than 80,000 square meters, with a total investment of 50 million U.S. dollars. The other two phases of the center will be completed by 2009.

Since its presence in China in 1993, Delphi Corp. has invested more than 500 million U.S. dollars and reported an annual revenue growth rate of over 30 percent in the Chinese market.