Jan. 10, 2007 (China Knowledge) – Geely Holding Group, one of the leading private car makers in China, says its vehicles sales in China this year could grow 45% compared to last year due to exports to overseas markets.

Geely forecast sales of 296,000 units, up from its 2006 figure of 204,000 vehicles. Its 2006 sales figure is already an increase of 40% from 2005 sales.

The car maker also set an export target of 33,000 units this year after a year-on-year export growth of 110% to 15,000 units last year. The company still believes it can achieve better figures from its overseas markets, and that the 2006 target is far from its long-term target.

Geely also announced yesterday that it has no immediate plans to cooperate with foreign makers on local assembly. This is in response to a preliminary agreement signed between DaimlerChrysler and Chinese rival Chery Automobile Co for the possible production of small cars for export to the North American and European markets.