VW will introduce Seat brand to China market at 2011 Shanghai Auto Show
By Steph, 25 Mar, 2011. 0 Comments
Seat Ecomotive Range
At the Shanghai Auto Show next month, Volkswagen AG’s Seat brand will have a stand to show off its models, according to Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, a member of the carmaker's management board. Presently, the Volkswagen Group markets its Audi, Lamborghini, Skoda and VW brands in China. VW wants to shift the Seat brand somewhat upscale with a lineup of sporty cars. Seat, which is based in Martorell, Spain, specializes in affordable compact cars.
IHS Global Insight reported that VW will initially import Seat models into China. It will then launch production at its Foshan assembly plant, which will be completed in 2013. VW's joint venture with China FAW Group Corp. will operate the Foshan plant, which is located in southeast China's Guangdong province.
VW’s brands have done well in China but the same success for Seat can’t be guaranteed. In other countries, Seat has struggled. In 2010, Seat posted a loss of 311 million euros on a 0.8% increase in sales to 340,000 vehicles. The IHS said that if Seat doesn’t become profitable, it will be closed by 2015. [via autonews]
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