LIFAN produces cars, motorcycles and vans, most of which look nothing like this 911 prototype.
A major Chinese auto manufacturer’s decision to build a new plant in Uruguay highlights the growing commercial ties between China and the Southern Cone of South America. With the new US$150 million plant, Chongqing-based LIFAN Group will begin manufacturing their LIFAN 620 and 320 models, a small four-door sedan and a MINI knock-off, respectively. Much of that production will be exported to Brazil.
Roberto Kreimerman, Uruguay’s Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining, says LIFAN’s decision will boost Uruguay’s reputation as an automaking hub in the Americas. Uruguay is already home to Korean, French and Japanese automakers who, like LIFAN, were attracted by the country’s business climate, pro-foreign investment policies and unique geographic position for reaching millions of consumers in neighboring Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
China is now Uruguay’s second most important trade partner with US$3 billion in annual trade between the two countries. Beyond the new auto plants, Kreimerman hopes China will become a major investor in solar energy in Uruguay where wind energy and biomass are already very advanced. Chinese investment in solar panel plants in Uruguay could help the country reach its ambitious goal of 50% clean energy by 2015. (Full Story in Spanish)
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