Chang’an planning assault on UK

The Chinese brand, Chang'an, is planning an assualt on the UK, in an attempt to expand the brand outside of China. Dr Jun Qiao, chief engineer of powertrain strategy, confimed to Auto Express: “We are coming – it’s just a question of timing.”

The company, China’s fourth largest car maker by sales, currently has 65 people employed in its Nottingham R&D centre. Dr Qiao said: “My job is to establish a product portfolio that works globally and not just in China.

"But we don’t want to rush things in terms of coming to Europe. We want to do it properly, get the product right. We don’t want to repeat the mistakes of other Chinese companies, who have come to Europe and not done a proper job.”

• Frankfurt Motor Show 2013 round-up 

Reports suggest that the first Chang’an ‘global’ models could be ready for sale in three years, with the company still to make a decision whether to enter the USA or Europe first.

It is thought that Chang’an is looking at pitching its models to compete with the likes of Kia and Hyundai. Star of its Frankfurt stand was the CS 75 SUV, which made its global debut.