The company has secured a €40m ($47m) capital increase for its hydrogen-focused subsidiary in China, with a minority investment from Chinese state-owned Sinopec Capital.

Sinopec will join as an industrial partner through its subsidiary, Chaoyang Hydrogen New Energy Venture Capital fund.

Forvia currently manufactures Type 4 hydrogen storage tanks for vehicle applications across four production plants in Europe and Asia.

Commenting on the announcement Ma Chuan, member of Forvia’s executive committee, said “This partnership will accelerate [Forvia’s] access to public and private markets, improve cost competitiveness, and consolidate [its] position as a key player in China’s energy transition”.

Sinopec has been massively investing in both hydrogen production and refuelling, launching a mammoth 1,150km hydrogen truck route including four refuelling stations.

The move to strengthen its Chinese presence comes as the nation leads the charge in hydrogen mobility as European markets falter.

In 2025 Stellantis, co-owner of French fuel-cell maker Symbio alongside Forvia, discontinued development plans for hydrogen fuel-cell technology, calling the hydrogen market “niche” and citing a lack of prospects.

In September Germany-based Schaeffler AG pulled back its  European ambitions to focus on China where it said “the prospects are much better”.

Forvia’s decision to deepen its roots in China through a strategic investor reflects a clear growth strategy that could open doors to key government contracts and industrial synergies.