Accelerating its strategy of internationalization, SAIC MOTOR makes its Middle East debut at the Dubai International Motor Show 2015

(November 11, 2015, Dubai) SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC Motor) today made its official Middle East debut by launching the latest range of models from its Morris Garages (MG) and Maxus brands on the opening day of the 2015 Dubai International MOTOR Show.

The new model launches at the show followed shortly after SAIC MOTOR’s recent announcement that it has opened its first ever Middle East head office in Dubai, which represents another major step for the brand towards its strategic goal of becoming “a world-renowned automotive company with a global presence, multinational operations, international competitiveness and brand influence.”

SAIC MOTOR has now developed business networks in Europe, North America, South America, ASEAN, Africa and Australia, covering four segments: research & development (R&D) and manufacturing; market services; investment platform; and international trade platform. With these moves, SAIC MOTOR has demonstrated its approach to a truly global strategy.

In the R&D and manufacturing segment, SAIC MOTOR has established a R&D centre and manufacturing base in the UK and set up a global MG right-hand drive manufacturing base in Thailand, with models such as the MG3 proving particularly popular in these regions. In addition, the construction of a manufacturing base in Indonesia has also started.

In terms of market services, SAIC MOTOR has already established strong networks in South America, the Middle East, ASEAN, Africa and Australia. Maxus products are currently available in 35 countries and regions and the company successfully obtained 260 bulk purchases of Ireland Post, with the competitors from United States, Germany, France, Japan and many other world-class brands, in a move that marked the brand's return to Europe.

In the investment sector, SAIC MOTOR has set up SAIC Capital in California and SAIC HK Investment Co., Ltd. The venture capital company in Silicon Valley, California, is committed to following and analysing the latest technology and business trends in the global automobile industry with a particular focus on investment in priority areas including new technologies such as intelligent driving, internet enabled automobiles, new materials & weight reduction technology and new energy solutions.

In the international trade platform field, SAIC MOTOR has set up international trade companies in Europe, North America and Asia. The brand has established Shanghai International Commerce and Trade Co., Ltd. in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (SFTZ) to become the pioneer of SAIC MOTOR’s overseas operations by making full use of the position and innovation advantages that SFTZ entails.

Attending the Dubai International Motor Show, establishing the Middle East head office and thus expanding its presence in the Middle East market are therefore important steps for SAIC MOTOR, in actively implementing the national strategy of ‘The Belt and Road Initiative’ and advancing its multinational operations.

The Middle East region represents the meeting of the land and maritime Silk Road, reaching out to nearly 0.5 billion people across 18 countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Iran. Only 92 vehicles are owned for every 1,000 residents currently in the Middle East market, and such a relatively low figure means there is huge market potential for the future.

The Dubai International Motor Show is the largest and most influential motor show held in the Middle East. By attending this exhibition and opening its first Middle East branch, SAIC MOTOR is taking important steps to build a full value chain operating system, to serve the local communities, and to create a competitive international brand image.

Looking forward to the future, SAIC MOTOR is set to provide the high value product and distinct service for our customers by continuing to deepen its strategy of innovation development, by expanding into international markets.