Caterham Seven Will Be Sold in China

Caterham’s legendary modern day version of a classic Lotus, the Seven, will be sold in China for the first time after Caterham Cars signed an exclusive deal with new importer, Courtenay Trading International. CTI is looking to appoint six dealers in key provinces of China over the next year and is targeting initial sales of between 30 and 50 Sevens in its first year of operation.

All of Caterham’s current EU5-compliant cars will be sold in the country: Roadsport 120, Superlight 120, Roadsport 175, Superlight R300 and CSR 175. If you were wondering when you can get your fix of open-wheel racing in China, we’ll tell you that the first Sevens scheduled to arrive there in January 2012.

Although Caterham has had a long-standing presence in the Far East, notably in Japan, this will be the first time the iconic Seven has been sold in China and represents Caterham’s continuing expansion into new growth markets.

“We are engaged in one of the most exciting new chapters in the Caterham Cars story and our entry into the Chinese market is another tangible sign of how Caterham is striving to become a truly global brand,” explains Caterham Cars’ International Business Manager, David Ridley.

The relationship with CTI could also offer Caterham a platform from which to launch new models such as its stunning sports prototype launched in January this year, the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R.

The SP/300.R made its global debut back in January, at the Autosport International Show, with Caterham planing to build 25 units of the car this year. The carmaker has already received orders for 14 of the 300hp lightweight racers.