Global Update

The Mustang and Raptor Are In China: Explore Opportunities for U.S. Manufacturers

By Linda Spencer

China
“We have been participating in this event for the past four consecutive years,” said Josh Abbott (second left, red shirt), international sales manager for Borla Performance Indus­tries. “We use this opportunity to meet qualified dealer candidates, nurture our existing relationships and continue to learn about the market.” Borla will once again exhibit at the 2017 SEMA China event, September 6–10. 

Registration is now open for the 2017 SEMA China Business Development Program, September 6–10, in Shanghai. This is a great opportunity to meet with pre-vetted resellers (distributors, retailers and installers) of specialty products in this market of 1.3 billion people. Musclecar mania is catching on in China, with the Chevy Camaro joining the Ford Mustang as accessory-friendly vehicles recently becoming available through the official car dealer channel.

Light trucks are best sellers in China, with vehicle enthusiasts eager to buy Jeep Wranglers and Ford Explorers. Large-size pickups are also available, but only through the gray market. However, this is changing with the new F-150 Raptor and Chevy Silverado being sold through the official dealership network for the first time in 2017. In addition, the globally best-selling midsize Ford Ranger will go on sale in China in 2018 (and in the United States around the same time).

SEMA Business Development Programs are low-cost, turnkey events that bring together SEMA-member manufacturers and buyers from key markets. The program fees include a turn-key exhibitor booth at the China Auto Salon (CAS), four nights’ hotel, meals, an interpreter for two days, a U.S. government briefing and visits to specialty-equipment shops. U.S. government grants are available to qualified companies to help defray the cost of participation.

Register now for the 2017 SEMA China Business Development Program!

For more information, visit www.sema.org/china.