Automakers see western China's market potential

Editor's note: China Daily invited senior executives of automakers and component manufacturers to share their views on the auto market in western China as well as their plans in the region in the future.

Bob Grace,president of Jaguar Land Rover Greater China.

Bob Grace

Western China has become a key focus for Jaguar Land Rover, a phenomenon set to continue in years to come. Our commitment to the west is shown by the support we give to local communities, the investments we make in local skills and our customer-first strategy for sustained development in this important region.

Our contribution to reconstruction efforts from the 2013 earthquake in Ya'an, Sichuan and this year's earthquake in Zhaotong, Yunan province illustrate the company's commitment to local communities.

Next month, we will open the fifth Apprentice Training Program for western China. It has already given about 500 graduates across China world-class technical and engineering skills. 

In May we opened our fourth regional office for China, in Chengdu, a sure sign of the region's current and future importance to Jaguar Land Rover. And we are investing in a dealer network in the region and growing our footprint across western China.

Chen Yudong, president of Bosch China

Chen Yudong, president of Bosch China.

As the rapid growth of the car population in China shifts from coastal regions to the west, western China is becoming an important automotive market in the future.

Chengdu possesses a dynamic car market. Seeing great potential in the region, various Bosch business locations have been set up in Chengdu in recent years.

Since July 2013, Bosch Automotive Products (Chengdu) Co Ltd has started to produce ABS/ESP and wheel speed sensors to meet the demands of customers in mid-west China.

Also in the automotive after-market business, our second flagship Bosch Car Service workshop in Chengdu was inaugurated. As part of the Bosch Car Service network in China, the new workshop models one-stop professional and reliable car services ranging from engine diagnostics to wheel alignment, car painting and car grooming, setting new standards for professional independent aftermarket workshops in China.