A number of major automakers have claimed that the slowdown in sales in the Chinese market will only be a temporary blip in its continued growth, China Daily reports today (7th January).

According to Yale Zhang, Director of Greater China Vehicle Forecasts for CSM Worldwide Corporation, sales in the country grew by seven per cent over the course of the year.

This compares to previous double-digit growth but German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has explained that the cooling of the last 12 months will not be replicated in the long run.

Bjoern Hauber, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz China, told the news provider: "The slowdown is temporary. For a long-term consideration, it's time to invest in the market to stimulate sales for a robust future development."

Mr Hauber's views have also been echoed by Ford, the second-largest US automaker, which is currently struggling financially but still intends to ramp up its work in China.

The main development is set to be the production of its new Fiesta subcompact, which will take place in the first quarter as part of its joint venture in Nanjing.

"We will continue to introduce new products and invest more in China with profits from our local operations," spokesman Kenneth Hsu told China Daily.

Meanwhile, troubled US giant General Motors has recently completed a number of major projects, particularly the opening of its new Shenyang plant, where the Chevrolet Cruze will be produced as part of its joint venture with SAIC.

As Peter Schwarzenbauer, a board member of Audi AG - which is planning to establish a Chinese branch in Beijing - explained, the general positive feeling is the same throughout the industry.

"The financial crisis and slowdown of China's auto industry won't make us reduce production or sales in China," he told the news provider.

"Instead, we are considering extending our product portfolio."

Source:

China in the auto drivers seat (07/01/09)
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2009-01/07/content_7373297.htm