Two Chinese automakers shape Taiwanese partners as exporters

Eyeing the added-value available in the car-making sector in Taiwan, two mainland Chinese automakers have chosen partners on the island to export Taiwan-assembled cars.

P. B. Lien, CEO of Kortus, a subsidiary of Taiwan`s Prince Motors Co. and the local assembler and dealer of cars from Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., recently said that Kortus has shipped two locally assembled Cherys, the A1 and A3, to Vietnam, Myanmar, India, the Philippines etc.

Taiwan`s Yulon Group began exporting its locally assembled M`car (the Geely Panda) mini car under its own-brand "tobe" to Vietnam in late 2009, and more than 200 vehicles are expected to be exported this year.

Industry insiders say, however, that Chery is eager to shape its Taiwanese partner into a major exporter.

According to Lien, Kortus has shipped over 30 Taiwan-assembled 2000cc Chery A3 (Apola in Taiwan) and 1,300cc A1 (Fresh) to different markets in Asia and will kick off volume export in early 2011. Including cars delivered to the Middle East, Kortus is expected to export 300 to 400 Taiwan-assembled Cherys per month.

The CEO says that Kortus is also scheduled to launch the 1,100cc Chery Awin mini commercial vehicle for local assembly by the end of the year, making Taiwan also an export center for Chery`s light commercial vehicles, with the new model expected to increase Kortus` exports.

According to Lien, Chinese automaker Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd. (JAC) will soon send representatives to Kortus to discuss introducing diesel commercial vehicles and mid-sized bus for local assembly and sales in Taiwan, with the aim towards export in the future.