the company also founded its middle east branch to start marketing services in the region. the new company marked a solid step in the company's global business arrangement and brought it closer to be a famous auto company with international competitiveness and influence.
saic motor has established business networks in europe, north and south america, the asean, africa and australia, and engages in auto r&d, production, marketing service, investment platform operations and international trade.
the company built r&d and production facilities in the uk, and mg manufacturing facility in thailand, where its mg3 has enjoyed increasing popularity. construction of a production base in indonesia has also kicked off. sound marketing service networks have also been formed in south america, middle east, the asean, africa and australia.
the maxus have made inroads in 35 countries and regions and were exported to ireland last year, reentering the european market. the company has also founded investment branches in california and hong kong. the california branch focuses on tracking the latest updates of global auto technology and business development and pays special attention to investment in smart driving, internet vehicle, new material, light weight and new energy technologies. international trade facilities have also been set up in europe, north america and asia. particularly, the saic motor international trade facility in the shanghai free trade zone is working to accelerate saic motor's pace in overseas operations.
joining the dubai show was part of the saic motor's strategy to move into the middle east and carry out china's belt and road initiative. the region is where the land and maritime silk roads meet and home to nearly 500 million people from 18 countries, such as saudi arabia, united arab emirates, egypt and iran.
at present, only 92 out of 1,000 people in middle east own a car and the future market potential is huge there. the auto show carries great regional influence and can help saic motor establish competitive business operation model, develop and improve dealer networks, build service system and create a competitive brand image.
saic motor will continue to deepen the innovation and transformation development strategy, speed up to broaden the international market and carry out its international business strategy through product and technology output. it will actively do its part to help china's auto industry get stronger.
