SHANGHAI, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA) plans to invest further in China and believes the company will benefit from closer ties between China and Italy, according to Massimiliano Trantini, chief operating officer of FCA Asia Pacific.
At the third China International Import Expo (CIIE), Alfa Romeo, an Italian automaker under FCA, exhibited a variety of products, including high-performance SUVs and newly upgraded vehicles.
"This year's CIIE has special meaning. The fact that this event is taking place on schedule at this moment in time shows the determination of the Chinese government to fight the pandemic," said Trantini. "This is a positive signal at a difficult time when the world is affected by the epidemic, and this is exactly what the world is looking forward to."
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on the global automobile market, Trantini said that the Chinese market provides a strong impetus.
"FCA has seen five months of continuous growth in the Chinese market. We are very optimistic about the future here. FCA's total investment in China has exceeded 3.5 billion U.S. dollars, and we will certainly invest further in China," said Trantini.
According to the company's plan, from 2018 to 2022, FCA will launch over ten new or upgraded models and eight new energy vehicles in China, some of which are exclusive products catering to the Chinese market.
Trantini also expressed his excitement about China's new development pattern of a "dual circulation" where domestic and foreign markets complement and reinforce each other, with the domestic market as the mainstay.
"We not only export products to China, but also produce products in China. The dual circulation concept is in line with our development strategy," said Trantini.
According to Trantini, the renowned serpent logo of Alfa Romeo culturally links with the traditional Chinese dragon image.
"I believe links like these are what keep our cultures close with each other," said Trantini. Enditem
