Currently reading: Saab to re-enter Chinese market

Saab's deal with a Chinese distributor is hoped to generate company profits

Saab has signed a deal with China Automobile Trading Co. Ltd, which will see the company distribute its cars there as of next year.

The Saab 9-5 saloon and 9-4X crossover will be rolled out from July, seeing the Sweden-based carmaker’s return to China as part of its plan to realise profits and sell 120,000 cars globally by 2012.

Initial sales hopes in the world’s largest car market are to sell between 2,000 and 5,000 cars a year, aiming to increase figures to 50,000 units.

When speaking to Bloomberg, company spokesman, Eric Geers said: “Long-term we have plans to make cars in China,” but that “First we must get volumes up there, we must have dealers and see demand rise.” In 2008, its previous owner, General Motors, halted imports of the Swedish brand into China and Russia because of the economic crisis.

China Automobile Trading Co. is a state-owned company formed in 1993, which has imported and sold more than 100,000 cars since its trading began.

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scoch 23 December 2010

Re: Saab to re-enter Chinese market

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Reminds you of the NEW 300C,doesn't it?

In that it has 4 wheels and doors but thats about it!

Peter Cavellini 22 December 2010

Re: Saab to re-enter Chinese market

Reminds you of the NEW 300C,doesn't it?

jelly7961 21 December 2010

Re: Saab to re-enter Chinese market

thebaldgit wrote:

Such is the apparent neverending growth in this market, there cannot be a manufacturer who can afford not to have a piece of this cash cow.

So right. And in my experience the Asians and Chinese in particular like the quirkiness of cars like the Citroen C6 and probably the Saab. If it generates enough profit for them to start designing and building desirable cars again then good!