Chinese auto maker BAIC has revealed it is not only going to begin marketing its vehicles in Mexico but is looking at assembling them here as well.

The company announced two weeks ago it would sell two of its models in Mexico.

Yesterday it said those two models will be the subcompact D20, to be offered in both sedan and hatchback versions, and the X25 sport-utility vehicle. Both will go on sale this month in Mexico City, Morelos and Querétaro.

The D20’s price will range between 179,900 and 210,900 pesos (US $9,600-$11,300) while the SUV will sell for 239,900 (US $12,900).

Dealerships are to open next year on the Yucatán peninsula and in the north of the country.

One of China’s top-five auto makers, BAIC is currently scouting locations in Mexico to establish a plant with a capacity of 100,000 to 150,000 vehicles annually, said company vice-president Wei Huacheng.

“We want to grow our presence in America and we chose Mexico as the export platform for some of our new models,” he told a press conference.

He said meetings have been held with some state governors and and a decision would be finalized next year.

BAIC has 30 manufacturing plants in Asia and Africa, some of which operate through a joint venture with Hyundai.

It anticipates selling as many as 3,000 vehicles in Mexico this year, and 15,000 annually within five years.

Source: Expansión (sp)