Changan Suzuki plans to build second plant

Shanghai, April 29 (Gasgoo.com) Changan Suzuki Automobile Co., a minicar joint venture between Chinese automaker Changan Auto and Japan's Suzuki Motor, is planning to build a second plant in China, reported Xinhua News Agency.

Though the company has not chosen a site for the new plant, it is expected to be situated in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality.

Sojitz Corporation of Japan, a major shareholder in Changan Suzuki, may sign a strategic co-operation agreement with Changan Auto soon to extend the co-operation capabilities of the JV.

Changan Suzuki has plans to launch its latest Alto small car in China this summer, of which the automaker aims to sell 150,000 units in 2009.

Suzuki is keen to launch the model as soon as possible in China, where small car sales are currently enjoying a boom stimulated by government measures introduced to boost the auto market.

The Japanese automaker sold 124,123 vehicles in China through Changan Suzuki last year, marking a 15 percent growth from a year earlier.

Suzuki new Alto was displayed at Shanghai auto show 2009