SAIC Maxus launches RV exports

In the high-tech zone of Liyang under Changzhou, Jiangsu province, SAIC Maxus Automotive RV Tech Co's production base buzzes with activity as an automated assembly line efficiently puts together motorhomes.

The company's self-propelled motorhomes have recently made their way to Australia, marking China's inaugural large-scale export of such vehicles.

Back in 2017, SAIC Maxus made a hefty investment of 1.7 billion yuan ($236 million) to establish the country's premier customized recreational vehicle (RV) research and production hub. With over 600 million yuan poured into research and development, the company has nurtured a workforce of more than 300 specialized professionals.

Breaking through the self-imposed barriers from chassis design to overall vehicle manufacturing, the product range of SAIC Maxus now spans Type B, Type C, pickup RVs and trailer models.

While RV culture boasts a century-old legacy in Europe and the United States, it remains a niche sector in China.

Prior to 2010, the Chinese RV market heavily relied on imports, with domestic RVs primarily centered around modifications and lacking independent R&D capabilities.

Yang Weisong, product delivery director of SAIC Maxus, emphasized the company's commitment to aligning with Australian market regulations and user needs during the product development phase.

Yang said the focus has been on achieving "design compliance" from the outset, rather than retrofitting post-production.

Following six months of intensive research, numerous visits to campsites and dealers, and participation in five car show exchanges, the company has seamlessly integrated Chinese smart technology and energy management advantages into its products.

The company's global approach ensures a supply chain, certification and after-sales service network with a global reach, promising a hassle-free experience for customers.

Moreover, in adherence with Australian and New Zealand regulations, over 50 specialized certification tests were conducted on exported RVs, leading to adjustments in chassis, upper installations and other system designs to meet compliance standards.

By collaborating with certified Australian engineers and obtaining full vehicle compliance certification through the ROVER system, SAIC Maxus maintains strict controls throughout the entire process.

Leveraging its existing network of over 100 service points in Australia, the company has laid out parts and established an after-sales network well in advance.

"In the future, the market outlook of the Chinese RV sector is still considerable," said Yang. "Taking Australia as an example, the number of RVs in Australia exceeds 850,000, with an annual addition of around 50,000 units, providing a stable and continuous growth market base."

Yang added that Australia and New Zealand have a mature campsite network and RV support service system, which create a high-quality environment for RV use.

"The opportunities for Chinese brands are enormous," he said. "Chinese RV products have shown significant technological advantages, especially in areas such as intelligence and energy management."

"It is expected that in the next three-five years, the market share of Chinese brands in the Australian market will rapidly increase, gradually entering mainstream markets."

Liyang's commercial department has played an important role in nurturing a conducive business environment for enterprises venturing into the global market. By providing policy guidance, financial support, exhibition organization, risk mitigation, streamlined export processes and reduced overseas operating costs, Liyang has paved the way for companies to expand their horizons. Although not a traditional vehicle hub, Liyang has leveraged the mature supply chain of the Yangtze River Delta region and its supportive policies to establish an RV industry cluster.

Dai Yongzhi, president of the Changzhou Automobile Circulation Association, said that in the future, the Chinese RV sector may draw on the experience of new energy vehicles to go global.

Guo Jun contributed to this story.