Bradford car styling business to move export sales up a gear in China

A car-styling company, based in Bradford, has contracted overseas trade specialist, Chamber International, to help it create new sales partnerships in China.

Kahn Design, a group of four companies working with some of the world’s best-known car marques, already operates in a number of continents but now wants to build a network of partner businesses in China.

Founded by designer and businessman Afzal Kahn, Kahn Design specifies, manufacturers and supplies a wide range of styling accessories, from exhausts, pedals, suspension kits and wheels to sports seats, carpets, interior design and bespoke livery and other adaptations for businesses.

Kahn Design, which includes The Chelsea Truck Co, Project Kahn and Kahn Automotive, was launched in 1996 when Afzal Kahn designed the RS-R alloy wheel, a wheel with spokes appearing to continue to the rim.

Customers can either bring their vehicle, from a range which includes Range Rover, Jeep Wrangler, Audi and marques such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Maserati and Rolls Royce, to receive personalised styling, or buy a brand new vehicle ‘tailor made’ to their specification.

Overseas partner businesses can either buy the vehicles locally and source the required upgrade package through Kahn Design or buy the vehicle ready-styled to the customer’s requirements from Kahn Group, which will then export the vehicle for delivery to the customer.

The Kahn Group also exports bespoke upgrade and styling packages to partner businesses with support from Chamber International.

Kahn Design, which has a £20m turnover and 60 staff, currently trades throughout the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America, Africa and the US.

60% of the business’ sales are generated through exporting.

Alexander Feather, Kahn Design’s business development executive, said: “We are expanding through peoples’ desire to express themselves through adding personalised style to their vehicle.

“This is particularly true in nations with a strong emphasis on a uniform traditional dress as, through us, drivers apply their individuality through their vehicle rather than their clothing.

“We already have a presence in China but it is a huge country and we wish to develop a network of Kahn Design partners to serve a wealthy elite who love British goods and design. We also want help with marketing and promoting our company there to attract business.

“Accessing the Chinese market could have a major impact on our global sales during the next five years and this is why we have sought help from specialists at Chamber International.”

Matthew Grandage, Chamber International China affairs specialist, commented: “China’s car market is now the most valuable in the world. More new cars were bought there than in any other country in 2016 - more than 20 million - and Chinese consumers are also willing to pay much more for their cars than drivers in the UK, especially to own something unique, that reflects the owner’s personal style.

“As a result, sales of accessories and auto-styling are booming, and, with China also being Jaguar Land Rovers’ largest market, it’s clearly a very attractive target for Kahn Designs.

“Having already built strong customer bases around the world, their decision to target China through local partnerships is a bold, astute and timely move. Chamber International is proud to be part of this next step in Kahn Design’s export adventure.”