SAIC awaits approval to build Ssangyong SUVs

Shanghai, June 25 (Gasgoo.com) Shanghai Automotive (SAIC) and its majority-owned SsangYong Motor have finished building up their production lines at their joint venture plant, a senior company official told reporters on June 23.

The two sides are currently only awaiting the government approval to start production at the former SAIC plant at Yizeng, Jiangsu province. The plant will be operated as a 50-50 partnership.

Hu Maoyuan, chairman of SAIC, said at the MG 3SW launching ceremony that it is not expecting any difficulty in obtaining the approval, but he declined to say when his company will start operation of the plant.

SsangYong now exports Rexton, Kyron, Actyon and Rodius to the Chinese market. Industry analysts say the comparably hot selling Rexton is likely to be made at the plant, where SAIC's own Roewe brand is also expected to be made.