Short torque

Rental firm to franchise

China Auto Rental Holdings Inc recently began to expand by allowing franchise stores outside the 66 cities where it has already established a presence with its wholly owned chain stores. Company CEO Lu Zhengyao said that the company on its own cannot meet huge consumer demand and would like to share resources with partners throughout the country. The move is expected to help the company expand rapidly, especially in third-and fourth-tier cities, analysts said.

GM's Socia to retire

General Motors recently announced that Bob Socia, the current president of its China operations, will retire in January next year. Taking his place will be Matthew Tsien, vice-president of Planning and Program Management for GM China and GM Consolidated International Operations and Strategic Alliances for China. In his new role, Tsien will become a member of the GM Executive Operations Committee, reporting to Dan Akerson, GM's chairman and CEO.

Audi backs Voice of World concert

Audi last month sponsored a high-profile concert in Beijing with stars from the popular TV talent show the Voice of China as well as its counterparts in the US, UK, Germany and South Korea. The brand has been active in new, different marketing techniques in China, including bringing high-end music experiences to local customers as it tries to build a youthful, individualized brand image and enhance the emotional bond with its fans.

Motoring

(China Daily 12/09/2013 page19)