SAIC targets 6 mln vehicle sales for 2015

Shanghai January 12 (Gasgoo.com) SAIC Motor Corp Ltd (600104.SS) aims to boost both its annual output and sales from three million vehicles now to six million vehicles in 2015, with self-developed vehicles making up over 40% of the total figures, 21cbh.com reported Wednesday. 

The Shanghai-based automaker expects its vehicle sales to break four million units this year. In 2010, it remained the largest domestic automaker and ranked among the global top eight automobile groups, with sales exceeding three million units. 

SAIC's two own brand models: the Roewe and MG hit the market four years ago and have enjoyed high reputation in the mid-to-high vehicle segment. The brands' sales surged 77% on the year to 160,000 units last year, helped by the Roewe 550 and 350 models currently dominating their respective segments. The automaker is also acting vigorously in developing the overseas markets for the MG brand. 

To further increase sales of the two brands, SAIC has redefined the MG brand to make it a stronger component of the Roewe brand, as well as to expand its market share during the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2006-2010). According to the company's new plan for the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-2015), it will resume production of the MG6 model in the first half of this year.

SAIC will continually enhance its independent R&D capability and launch more products to better cater for the needs of local consumers in the next five years, during which it intends to take 20% of China's new energy vehicle market to secure its leading position in the field.

Additionally, SAIC will launch the Roewe 550 plug-in hybrid, an own brand all-electric sedan, and an all-electric small car at the end of 2012.