Swedish manufacturer puts on special show for suitors over the border

WITH the rush of enthusiasm to enter the Chinese car market, Hongkong Saab agents Swedish Motors has thrown its hat into the ring by opening a showroom for left-hand drive models in Happy Valley and a service centre in Guangzhou.

The introduction of left-hand drive Saabs to the mainland market follows the establishment in Hongkong late last year of Mazda Motors (South China) Ltd, the launch of Wallace Harper's Ford line-up for China and General Motors' high-profile push into southern China.

''Our decision to open a left-hand drive showroom in the territory was based on an increasing number of inquiries over the last 12 months about the availability of left-hand drive Saabs for the southern China market,'' said Mr Christer Agell, Swedish Motors chairman.

Sales of Saab models in Hongkong and Macau last year totalled 1,442 vehicles, up on 1991's tally of 1,078. According to company managing director Mr Hans-Eric Almeback, Swedish Motors is aiming to sell 300 Saabs in China for its first year.

Two Saab models are initially being offered, the large 9000CD saloon and the two-door 900S convertible. As is the practice with a number of other manufacturers, Saab's vehicles for China are built to the more robust Middle East-type specifications.

The suspension has been reinforced and the wheels fitted with higher profile tyres to cope with some of China's more demanding road surfaces. Added attention has also been paid to the engine's air filter to protect against dust intake.