Chongqing - On November 5, German automotive tuning brand Carlsson signed an agreement with the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), officially launching its China Operations Center in Chongqing.

Carlsson C25 at the Geneva Motor Show. (Photo/Carlsson)

The seventh CIIE kicked off in Shanghai on November 5. Spanning over 420,000 square meters, the expo has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations. 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders participated, achieving a new record. The event also featured a delegation from Chongqing, which included 656 enterprises and nearly 3,000 professional visitors.

Carlsson, renowned for its precision-engineered modifications to Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has long been a leader in the high-end automobile tuning industry. The brand is one of four authorized Mercedes-Benz tuning companies globally. With years of involvement in top-tier automobile racing, Carlsson has accumulated extensive hands-on experience and data, which have been integral to its vehicles' continuous enhancement and upgrading.

Carlsson's products are available for the entire current range of Mercedes-Benz models. (Photo/Carlsson)

The partnership between Carlsson and Schmid, a prominent enterprise in Chongqing's automotive supply chain, began in early 2024 when Carlsson's regional operation was established in the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park.

The cooperation has progressively expanded, focusing on luxury vehicle import, modification, and sales. With the recent establishment of the Chongqing International Railway Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone, Carlsson's operations are now fully integrated into the city's cross-border logistics platform, facilitating more efficient import and export activities.

The Chongqing International Railway Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone covers 0.75 square kilometers within the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park. Adjacent to the Chongqing Railway Port, it integrates with the China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC).

The Chongqing International Railway Port Comprehensive Bonded Zone is located in the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park. (Photo/Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park)

After months of successful operations and testing, the partnership reached a new milestone during the expo. Carlsson's tuning car base became one of the first projects within the newly operational bonded zone. 

Carlsson has streamlined its operations through Chongqing's logistic channels and Chongqing's vehicle import ports to facilitate the import of high-end models. With the full operation of the Comprehensive Bonded Zone, the company plans to expand its bonded processing capabilities, enabling quicker response to market demand. Additionally, Carlsson will leverage Chongqing as a central hub to coordinate and optimize its entire industrial chain across China.

"Currently, 6% of European modified cars enter China through Chongqing Railway Port, and we expect that number to increase to 20% soon. With its world-class tuning expertise, Carlsson is set to become a key player in this market growth," said Han Chao, deputy general manager of Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park.

"The synergy between Carlsson's brand, Chongqing's logistics platform, and the booming Chinese market will ensure a mutually beneficial future," Han added.