Chinese Auto Dealer Group Take Controlling Stake in German Tuner Carlsson
The Chinese have a predisposition towards crazy expensive bespoke cars, and German tuner company Carlsson Autotechnik is exactly the tuning shop to deliver them.
Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd., a Chinese auto dealer company, has taken hold of 70 percent of German tuner Carlsson, to cater to the large demand for custom cars with beefed up engines. Zhongsheng sold roughly $47 million last year in aftermarket accessories alone, making the investment into Carlsson seem very sensible. Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW have become such common nameplates in China that it takes something truly special to stand out anymore, and that is here Carlsson comes in.
Zhongsheng has plans to open up an exclusive Carlsson dealership somewhere in China, as well as manufacturing facilities that will produce the body and tuning kits. All of these aftermarket parts are approved by Mercedes-Benz, which makes the cars more desirable as the warranty is still valid, even with the aftermarket add-ons.
[Source: Reuters]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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