Sharmistha Mukherjee in New Delhi

with India slated to become the fourth largest automobile market in the world over the next five years, a host of Chinese automobile manufacturers such as Jianghuai Automobile Company, Brilliance Auto, Chery international, Build Your Dreams and Beiqi Foton are all exploring opportunities to set up shop in the country.

An industry source informed, "A lot of cross-pollination is going to happen between the automobile industries in India and China. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation has already made an entry into the market here and manufacturers such as Chery, Brilliance, JAC, BYD and Beiqi Foton are working out modalities to start operations. These companies have products which are a strategic fit for the Indian market. Some of them have already made enquiries regarding the vendor base available in India for starting operations here."