SHANGHAI: German luxury car maker BMW expects double-digit sales growth in China this year as the company expands its distribution network in the world's top car market, an official said Tuesday.
BMW board member for sales and marketing Ian Robertson made the remarks at the Shanghai auto show, which opened to the media Tuesday, bringing together carmakers from around the world.
"The first quarter has been strong again," Robertson told reporters.
"I think we still (will) have strong double-digit growth" in sales this year.
BMW sales to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan soared 85.3 percent in 2010 to 183,328 units, the company said last month.
In the past three years, China sales have been driven by large coastal cities, but in the future sales growth will increasingly come from the country's interior, Robertson said.
To meet future demand, BMW will expand its dealership network and build a design centre in Shanghai this year, he said.
The company is also adapting to Chinese government demands for more fuel-efficient and less-polluting vehicles, he said.
"The new energy vehicle opportunity here is probably bigger than in other countries," Robertson said. "There is a clear agenda to develop (green) technology."
BMW is currently working with France's PSA Peugeot Citroen to become a major player in hybrid automobile technology, a business scenario that will fit in with its plans to develop China's market.
About 2,000 car and parts makers from 20 countries are participating in the Shanghai auto show, showcasing 75 new car models, 19 of them making their world premieres. A total of 1,100 vehicles will be on display.
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