A delegation from China's auto industry and DaimlerChrysler signed letters of intent on Wednesday evening, in a move expected to boost United States exports and distribution of passenger vehicles to China.

DaimlerChrysler plans to export about 4,500 vehicles to China, including vehicles from the Chrysler Group and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class built in the United States. totaling in value about US$300 million.

The signing of these letters is an important step in efforts to increase the export and distribution in China of Chrysler, Jeep and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and significantly complements the company's future business plans there, said Dieter Zetsche, the Chrysler CEO.

"Our strategy in China - importing, building and selling passenger cars and commercial vehicles - will help ensure that we take advantage of many business opportunities in the world's fastest-growing automotive market," he said.

Vice Minister of Commerce Ma Xiuhong said the signing of the letters showed that further cooperation between the auto industries of China and the United States is based on equality and mutual benefit.

There had been wide cooperation on auto technology, production and trade between China and the United States in the past several years, and the market share of American vehicles in China grew rapidly in recent years, she said.

The Chinese delegation from the auto industry, headed by Ma, also signed agreements with Ford Motor Corporation on Wednesday to import cars and auto parts worth a total US$200 million.

Earlier in the morning, the delegation signed an agreement with General Motors to import cars and auto parts worth more than US$1.3 billion.

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