It has taken three years to get beyond the original memorandum of understanding between Ateco Automotive and the Chery Automobile Company, but the two companies have now signed an agreement for the distribution of Chery cars in Australia.
The agreement extends to distribution of the Chinese company's products in New Zealand, as well as Australia.
Three Chery models will be initially sold in Australia, commencing early next year, under the terms of the agreement. It's the first instance of an entire product range from a Chinese manufacturer being imported into Australia. Volkswagen has sold the Chinese-built Polo Classic here, but without trumpeting the car's origin.
The three cars to be sold here will be light and small VFACTS segment entries and a compact SUV. Chery also plans for four new models to be launched internationally later this year, the first stage of a product offensive which will see 38 new models introduced to global markets over the next five years.
Reflecting the incredible rise of the Chinese domestic market as a consumer of cars, Chery went from start-up in December 1999 to recording its millionth vehicle produced in August of 2007. Total production for last year, including 120,000 units exported, exceeded 380,000 units.
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