Caterham speeds towards China launch

The Chinese appear to have developed a taste for traditional British sports cars, with Caterham Cars announcing that its famous Seven will be sold there. The company, which manufactures about 500 cars and home-build kits a year, 55 per cent for export, says it will sell between 30 and 50 vehicles there. Engines are provided by Ford and assembly is in Dartford, Kent.

The competitive pound and a burgeoning middle class will help Caterham to plug into breakneck growth – China has overtaken America as the biggest auto market in the world. Caterham's David Ridley said: "Our entry into the Chinese market is another tangible sign of how Caterham is striving to become a truly global brand."