Last week, Saab signed a deal with Chinese firm Hawtai Motor Group to extricate itself from a financial mess and restart vehicle production. Victor Muller, president and CEO of Saab, said a Chinese manufacturer could be selling its products in the US and Europe for as little as $10,000 in 2 to 3 years, by way of a network of distributors such as Saab’s.
He didn’t rule out the possibility of distributing Hawtai vehicles, but specified that there are 120 companies in China, and Saab is only interested in the “one that has a strategy.”
Muller even added that should such an alliance be formed, the Chinese vehicles would be distributed separately from Saab’s, under the desired brand name.
He believes the Chinese are a force to be reckoned with. “We laughed when the Japanese came, we laughed when the Koreans came, but we won’t be laughing when the Chinese come. The Chinese are like a steamroller”.
Looking to the future, Saab’s president admitted that the first Chinese cars introduced on our market would not have a 5-star safety rating. He still believes the low prices will attract consumers.
“In China, you can get a $10,000 SUV with air conditioning and electric windows, everything that was ever invented for a car. Do you really worry about a five-star? They look good.”
Established in 2000, Hawtai Motor Group specializes in SUVs and busses and produced 81,000 units last year. The company started building its first sedan in late 2010.
Chinese automakers like Chery and BYD have already shown interest in the American market, but haven’t yet realized their ambition.
Source: Automotive News
He didn’t rule out the possibility of distributing Hawtai vehicles, but specified that there are 120 companies in China, and Saab is only interested in the “one that has a strategy.”
Muller even added that should such an alliance be formed, the Chinese vehicles would be distributed separately from Saab’s, under the desired brand name.
He believes the Chinese are a force to be reckoned with. “We laughed when the Japanese came, we laughed when the Koreans came, but we won’t be laughing when the Chinese come. The Chinese are like a steamroller”.
Looking to the future, Saab’s president admitted that the first Chinese cars introduced on our market would not have a 5-star safety rating. He still believes the low prices will attract consumers.
“In China, you can get a $10,000 SUV with air conditioning and electric windows, everything that was ever invented for a car. Do you really worry about a five-star? They look good.”
Established in 2000, Hawtai Motor Group specializes in SUVs and busses and produced 81,000 units last year. The company started building its first sedan in late 2010.
Chinese automakers like Chery and BYD have already shown interest in the American market, but haven’t yet realized their ambition.
Source: Automotive News