http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/july-2006/5/bnews10.php


Chinese Co to set up car assembly plant in Pakistan

BEIJING (APP) - A major Chinese company, Chang’an Motor Corp will soon set up a assembly plant in Pakistan producing own-brand cars.

While expanding its overseas market, the company intends to facilitate its overseas customers with new model cars on competitive price.

China’s No 4 automotive group expects sales abroad will account for 15 to 20 per cent of its overall vehicle sales including those from joint ventures with foreign partners annually by 2010, said Chang’an chief executive officer Xu Liuping.

Addressing an international business conference in Chongqing, attended by dealers from 28 countries and regions, Xu said the overseas market is expected to contribute 25 to 30 per cent of the firm’s own-brand sales by 2010. He said Chang’an aims to raise overall sales from 630,000 vehicles last year to 1.5 million units a year by 2010, with more than half under its own brands.

The company’s overseas sales rocketed by 143 per cent to 15,000 vehicles last year. Other Chang’an executives said it aims to sell 25,000 vehicles overseas this year. “We will use global resources to make high-quality own-brand vehicles and provide them to customers at home and abroad at reasonable prices,” Xu said.

Besides the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America and Africa, Chang’an is also exploring the US and European markets, he said.

The company said in a statement that it plans to launch three to eight new own-brand models at home and abroad every year by 2010. Its overseas line-up will include mini vehicles, light-duty trucks, pick-ups, sport utility vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles and cars with an engine capacity of between 1.0 and 2.0 liters.