Taiwan-assembled SUVs Enjoy Expanding Sales in Overseas Markets

Taipei, Jan. 17, 2008 (CENS)--Taiwan-made sport utility vehicle (SUV) models are enjoying increasing popularity in some overseas markets.

Ford Lio Ho Motor Co., the local subsidiary of Ford Motor of the United States, is expected to challenge an annual complete-vehicle export goal of 15,000 units in 2008, the highest record of a local carmaker in history.

Ford Lio Ho began exporting locally assembled Ford Escape and twin-born model Mazda Tribute SUVs to Japan, New Zealand, Australia etc. through Ford's global sales channels in 2007. The company recently claimed that Taiwan-made Escape SUVs have successfully penetrated the Russian market.

Another local automaker China Motor Corp. (CMC), which locally produces Mitsubishi car models, also reported increasing exports. The company's Zinger SUV (with styling designed in Taiwan and chassis/engine supplied by Mitsubishi) has been successfully exported to the Philippines and the firm is aggressively moving to persuade Mitsubishi Japan to allow it to export locally made complete cars and parts to Russia.

Ford Lio Ho claimed that the quality of Taiwan-assembled SUVs can rival that of the same model produced in the United States, but their cost are very competitive. Ford Lio Ho has become Ford American's SUV production base in Asia, the local subsidiary said.

The sales volume of Taiwan-made Ford Escapes in Japan has been increasing annually, Ford Lio Ho said, and that in Australia and New Zealand are also growing.

Ford Lio Ho is expected to explore the Russia market for the first time by exporting Taiwan-assembled Escape SUVs to the market in 2008. This year, the firm is planning to export 5,000 units to Russia, which will help the firm jack up its export volume to about 15,000 units this year.

Meanwhile, CMC has been the largest exporter (including both complete vehicles and parts) among local automakers for many years. With the Mitsubishi Zinger scheduled to be locally produced in several Southeast Asian nations this year, CMC's parts exports are expected to grow rapidly. The company's export officials added that CMC is also targeting at some new markets for complete-vehicle or parts exports, including Latin America, the Middle East, Africa etc.