Last June, we reported on a German court's decision to ban the sales of a Chinese made BMW X5 knockoff called the CEO by China Automobile Deutschland. Despite the rocky European introduction, the SUV's builders, Shuanghuan, have pressed on and have introduced the car in Italy where 90 units were sold in the first 8 months of sale. Most recently, China Automobile, the car's authorized European distributor, is looking to France for further growth and will debut the CEO, along with some other controversial Chinese built automobiles in the country, by as early as spring 2009.
According to China Automobiles France marketing director Benoit Chambon, the CEO will be positioned as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive premium SUVs. Base prices are expected to be around 25,900 euro or $37,500. Key to the CEO's success in France is the planned establishment of a 100 dealership network by 2010. Chambon claims his distribution company already has 30 signed contracts with interested dealers.
Joining the CEO in France will be the Zhejiang Jonway UFO compact SUV. The car's design takes much inspiration from the first generation Toyota RAV4 small car. More information surrounding the UFO and what exact plans China Automobile France has in store for the pair of SUVs is expected during the Paris Motor Show later this week. Currently, there has been no indication the cars will be sold stateside, but given other Chinese automaker's previous failed attempts, we're not holding out breath.