- Date: 2013 – 2015
- Company owner: Brilliance Automotive
- Developed by: Magna Steyr
- Customer: Brilliance Automotive and BMW
- Creators: Raúl Bartolomé and a large international engineering team
- Raúl’s contribution: Resident Project Manager for E/E in Shenyang, China
- Market: Automotive
- Product category: Complete vehicle engineering
Between 2013 and 2015, Magna Steyr undertook the complete engineering of the Huasong 7, a new MPV developed for Brilliance Automotive, a Chinese partner of BMW. The project covered the full scope of vehicle engineering, from electrical and electronics (E/E) systems to powertrain, chassis, interior, exterior, and body-in-white, including full-vehicle attributes such as NVH.
As Resident Project Manager for E/E in Shenyang, China, Raúl Bartolomé coordinated communication and technical alignment between Magna Steyr Austria, Brilliance Automotive, and BMW. His role required not only technical knowledge of complex E/E architectures but also cross-cultural leadership, managing collaboration across European Tier-1 suppliers and Chinese engineering teams. Raúl oversaw program management reporting, testing campaigns, troubleshooting, and supplier integration, ensuring that the electrical and electronic systems met program objectives on both continents.
The E/E scope of the Huasong 7 included dozens of electronic modules, multiple electrical architectures, and supplier components sourced from both China and Europe. Managing these systems required balancing cost, reliability, and integration challenges in a rapidly evolving Chinese automotive market.
Vehicle Launch
The Huasong 7 was officially launched on November 7, 2014 as a seven-seat MPV (2+2+3 configuration). It became the first vehicle under the Brilliance Huasong brand and marked the debut of a BMW-powered MPV in China. The model featured BMW’s N20B20C 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, producing 204–242 hp and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
With a length of 5,005 mm, width of 1,909 mm, height of 1,935 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,990 mm, the Huasong 7 offered generous cabin space and modern styling. While the interior design was considered conservative, it featured premium touches such as aluminum detailing and leather seating. The exterior design was well-received for its proportions and distinctive rear styling, reflecting Brilliance’s ambition to enter the premium MPV market.
Raúl’s Contribution
In this project, Raúl’s leadership ensured the smooth integration of European engineering practices into the Chinese automotive environment. By bridging cultural and technical differences, he enabled Magna Steyr and Brilliance Automotive to work effectively together, while aligning with BMW’s stringent standards. His work exemplified his ability to manage complex international programs, coordinate cross-continental teams, and deliver full-vehicle E/E systems in emerging markets.
The Brilliance Huasong 7 stands as a case study in global automotive collaboration, highlighting how European engineering expertise and Chinese market ambitions came together to create a new product category.
