Customized cars for maturing market

Schnitzer's ACS5 35i, a modified version of the new BMW X5, made its debut at the recent Beijing Auto Show. Photos provided to China Daily

Thirty-year-old business owner Zhang Yu has long wanted to customize his BMW X5, but he is concerned that unauthorized modifications will make his car fail required safety and emission tests.

With the German auto giant's rapid expansion in China in recent years, a number of BMW owners like Zhang face the dilemma due to the lack of legal guidance in vehicle tuning and modifications.

But the answer could be at hand as AC Schnitzer, a renowned company that customizes BMWs, rolls out an ambitious blueprint for the country.

"We are aiming to sell to every Chinese customer that wants unique modifications to their cars," said Enrico Fois, export manager at AC Schnitzer.

The company established in 1987 in Germany modifies BMW, Mini and even Land Rover vehicles using its own components including chassis, exhaust systems and light-alloy wheels.

It has been in the Chinese auto market since 2009 and now offers what it calls a "customized original BMW".

It takes about eight months from the time the customer places order to get the complete kit delivered.

"One of the advantages that really make us different from the most of competitors is our quality," Fois told China Daily.

He said he is confident that the company's modified products match BMW quality at the minimum.

"I would rather not say we offer better quality, but that is what customers expect from us," he added.

BMW may double engine production in China JV	BMW M at North American Auto Show