Dongfeng Automobile aiming high in LCVs

Dongfeng Automobile Co. has announced plans to build and sell 150,000 light commercial vehicles in 2007, rising to 200,000 in 2009 and 300,000 just two years later.

The firm's output capacity has increased from 50,000 six years ago, a clear indicator of its success in a fast-growing market since 2000. In 1999, its sales were at the sub-20,000 level but since then it has grown at roughly double the market rate.

At the same time it has extended from two platforms to eight as it put light buses, SUVs, MPVs and pickup trucks into production.
Zhengzhou Nissan, which Dongfeng Auto acquired in 2004, posted blistering sales of 30,000 units in 2006.