Chinese automakers enter Asia-Pacific markets

Shanghai, January 20 (Gasgoo.com) Three Chinese automakers, including Changan Automotive Co, Chery Automobile and Lifan Group, have announced their plans to make further inroads into the Asia-Pacific markets recently, according to newspaper reports.

China's Changan Automotive Co on Monday launched CV6 minicar and CM8, a seven-seater multipurpose-vehicle, in Malaysia through its 49%-owned local distributor Changan Berjaya, the Canadian Press reported.

The company expects a modest sales target of a combined 5,000 units in the first year. It also aims to export some 5,000 of the cars to Southeast Asian countries including Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand.

Chery Auto will launch its B14, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), onto the Indonesian market along with its existing QQ and sport utility vehicle (SUV) Tiggo already on sale there. PT Unicor Prima Motor (UPM), Chery's the sole agent in Indonesia, is planning to start the distribution of the B14 in the first half of 2009.

Lifan Cars says it plans to introduce at least three car models this year and will open its first showroom in the Philippines, reported Asia Pulse.

The LF520, which is already being sold in 20 countries including Russia, Vietnam, Iran, Chile and Venezuela, will be the first model to be introduced in the country later this month.

The auto market in the Asia-Pacific Region is among the least affected by the global financial crisis. As demand for vehicles is expected to fall this year, the Chinese automakers are hoping to make further inroads into oversea market.