Chery still leads China auto exporters in 2008

Shanghai, June 26 (Gasgoo.com) Chery Auto remained to be China's top automotive exporter during 2008, according to the country's recently released Top 200 Exporters list, motoring.co.za said today.

"Chery is the only automaker on the list, making it the pioneer of Chinese brands going abroad," said Brett Soso, managing director of Chery South Africa. "The company exported 135,000 vehicles during 2008, accounting for 50% of Chinese passenger vehicle exports and taking the top spot for the sixth consecutive year."

Chery now has its vehicles available in more than 70 countries and regions, including South Africa, and has nine assembly plants in seven countries. Since its founding in 1997, the company has sold 1.5 million vehicles by May 2009, less than two years after it sold its one millionth vehicle, making it one of the world's fastest-growing automakers.

Chery plans to make 419,000 vehicles in 2009, an 18% increase over 2008's sales. The company has already launched six models in 2009 to date, including a Chery J5 hybrid, the G6, a new range of high-end vehicles, and the trendy QQme minicar launched today.

In the next five years, Chery will introduce 25 models. It's not only the best-selling domestic car brand in China but has also attained international quality standards for manufacturing while investing heavily in R&D facilities, Soso said.