Paolo Monferino (above, right) focused on three strategic objectives during a press conference in Beijing which justify the sustained investments made by the company in this country: the increase in volumes and market share on the Chinese market, the possibility of manufacturing vehicles for export to other markets and the development of a network of Chinese suppliers which is also useful for European production.

Iveco is underlining the importance of its presence in China by appearing for the first time alongside its local partner, SAIC – Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, at Auto China 2008, China’s largest automotive trade show, which opened its doors yesterday in Beijing and ends on 28 April.

Iveco’s 2,800 m2 stand, which it is sharing with its partner, is distinguished by a large red tattoo and is decorated in the colours of local joint ventures Naveco and SIH (SAIC – Iveco – Hongyan). It will display a selection of Iveco’s European products from its ranges of light transport, heavy trucks and vehicles manufactured by its Chinese joint ventures.

Following its European debut in March at Samoter in Verona, the new Massif is being presented for the first time to the Chinese market, finished in Maranello red livery. Iveco’s latest creation is being introduced alongside the Daily, which since 1985 has been manufactured in China in a customised version adapted specially for this market (Power Daily), featuring an ‘oriental-style’ radiator cowling. Three examples of the Daily went on show today, including an electric motor-powered version. The display is completed by a selection of light transport solutions including two Yuejin vehicles, developed and manufactured in China by joint venture Naveco.

The heavy truck range is represented by a Stralis AS, a Trakker AD and an Iveco Magirus DLK30 fire-fighting vehicle with 30-metre ladder. Also appearing at the event is Astra, the Iveco brand specialising in excavation vehicles, which is exhibiting the ADT 30 dump truck. Finally, the heavy truck range is completed by three vehicles manufactured by Chinese joint venture SIH: the top-of-the-range 908 as a preview and two versions (flatbed and tractor unit) of the T Facelift.

Finally Irisbus, the Iveco business unit which is the leading manufacturer in the sector of people transportation, is unveiling the new Evadys-H: a vehicle designed to meet the demand for both interurban lines and tourist transport.
Auto China also provides an opportunity to confirm the significance of Iveco’s presence in China, as illustrated this morning during a press conference held by the CEO of Iveco, Paolo Monferino, and the Vice President of SAIC Motor, Xiao Guopu.

After having outlined the major stages in Iveco’s 20-year development in China, Paolo Monferino focused on three strategic objectives which justify the sustained investments made by the company in this country: the increase in volumes and market share on the Chinese market, the possibility of manufacturing vehicles for export to other markets and the development of a network of Chinese suppliers which is also useful for European production.

Monferino concluded by underlining the importance of pooling human resources in order to assure the effective development of the joint ventures: “We cannot be successful without striving towards the harmonious development of our activities, which is achieved by integrating our cultures and our expertise to ensure prosperous growth and mutual benefits.