(Yicai Global) Dec. 17 -- Weichai Power, a Chinese state-owned car parts maker, has acquired German motor manufacturer Aradex amid plans to develop power systems for commercial new-energy vehicles.

Aradex's technology will help Shandong-based Weichai expand further along the supply chain, the buyer said in a statement without disclosing further details.

The purchase is part of a string of overseas mergers, acquisitions and partnerships Weichai began planning in 2017 as it looks to be a world leader in the new-energy technologies used to power heavy commercial vehicles by 2030.

It picked up a 20 percent stake in the UK's solid oxide fuel cell developer Ceres Power for GBP48 million (USD64 million) in May 2018 and paid USD164 million for 20 percent of Canadian hydrogen fuel cell producer Ballard Power in November the same year, becoming its biggest shareholder.

Founded in 1989, Aradex researches and develops motors, electronic controls and power supplies for the industrial and transport sectors. It possesses leading technology regarding high-power inverters and power packs and provides electric drive solutions for commercial NEVs, computer numerical control machine tools and ships.

Editor: James Boynton