Small boutique sports carmaker Caterham is looking for ways to expand its sales reach by entering Asia’s most lucrative car market. The UK-based company announced today that it has signed an exclusive deal with import firm Courtenay Trading International (CTI) to sell its iconic Seven model in China.

Caterham said that even though it has had a “long-standing presence” in the Far East, most notably in Japan, this will be the first time the Seven will be available in China.

“We are engaged in one of the most exciting new chapters in the Caterham Cars story and our entry into the Chinese market is another tangible sign of how Caterham is striving to become a truly global brand,” said Caterham Cars’ International Business Manager, David Ridley.

CTI plans to appoint six retailers in key provinces of China over the next year, and aims to sell between 30 and 50 Sevens in its first year of operation in the country.

The company will offer all of Caterham’s current EU5-compliant sports cars including the Roadsport 120, Superlight 120, Roadsport 175, Superlight R300 and CSR 175, with the first Sevens set to arrive in China in January of 2012.

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