Jaguar Land Rover expects to sell more vehicles in China than anywhere else in 2016, highlighting how upmarket carmakers are hoping for strong sales this year in spite of the country’s economic slowdown.
JLR’s unit sales in China fell last year, reflecting the impact of the country’s slowing economy and the government’s crackdown on conspicuous spending. While some other luxury carmakers had record sales growth, several missed their targets because of the same factors.
However, speaking at the Beijing International Automotive Exposition on Monday, Ralf Speth, JLR chief executive, said China would regain its position as the company’s “number one [market] in terms of volume” in 2016 following a positive first quarter.