McLaren Automotive is among the U.K.’s top businesses set this week to accompany Prime Minister Theresa May and Dr. Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade, as part of a U.K.-China trade delegation.
Dr. Jens Ludmann, chief operating officer for McLaren Automotive, will accompany the Prime Minister as she tours several major Chinese cities. She will meet with senior Chinese officials and leading industrial players to continue the trade dialogue between both countries.
McLaren Automotive has a growing presence in the Chinese market and, with imports of the new 570S Spider and 720S expected to begin shortly, the company plans to double sales there this year.
McLaren currently has 10 retailers in China with a further site to be added in Xiamen this year along with updated showrooms in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
In addition, McLaren is working with Chinese companies and craftspeople. The brand is soon to announce a collaboration with a well-known Chinese fashion designer who has worked with McLaren to create a limited run of 570GT Sports Series models that will be exclusively retailed in China.
The exterior artwork that will celebrate Chinese heritage was designed in China while the cars were hand-assembled at the McLaren production center in Woking, Surrey, England. When unveiled, the limited run will incorporate traditional Chinese elements with a modern twist alongside hand-crafted panels from a traditional Chinese embroidery master.
The partnership came about because McLaren says it recognizes the growing international importance of Chinese design and wants to highlight how it works with customers to personalize their vehicles through its McLaren Special Operations (MSO) arm.
“McLaren Automotive is recognized as an innovator that pushes the technical boundaries in areas such as hybrid powertrain, lightweight materials, the use of virtual reality and beyond. So it is a great honor for us to help represent the best of British business in China. The U.K. is not only home to an incredibly impressive indigenous talent pool but is able to attract talent and expertise from all over the globe that allows us to create the world-beating products that we do.
“China is increasingly important for a company like McLaren as we are set to import new models, expand our retailer network, boost investment and grow sales, all while working closely with local businesses, designers and craftspeople to jointly celebrate British and Chinese culture and talent,” said Dr. Jens Ludmann, chief operating officer, McLaren Automotive.
