Detank's London launch event

Chinese industrial forklift maker Detank has announced that it wants to conquer the UK market.

Launched in 2010, Detank claims it is one of the world's "fastest-growing industrial machinery brands". Its new forklift range, revealed to international dignitaries and leading industry figures at a London launch event, includes 1 to 10 T diesel trucks, 1.5 to 3.5 T LPG trucks, and 1.3 to 2 T electric trucks.

Each model has been designed specifically for the UK and North American markets and built to European designs, using familiar components to simplify maintenance and repairs, the company says.

Detank UK Finance will offer finance options that include lease purchase, finance lease, operating lease and contract hire to its customers.

Chery Detank vice president Hu Xuejun flew to the UK from the company's new 280 ac. (113 ha) factory and quality control facility in Wuhu, China.

Speakers at the launch included Zhao Xiaoming from the UK's Chinese Embassy and Parmy Singh, the business development advisor for the Coventry City Council.

Lash Saranna, managing director of Detank UK, has a long history of importing luxury cars in India and China. He was head of the UK's independent Porsche Centre before turning his sights towards China and Detank.

Saranna says: "There's a reason Detank is making so much headway around the world; the quality and price point are incredible. If we can show just a little bit of that to the UK, I guarantee people will take notice.

"In particular, it feels good to be bringing forklift trucks back to Coventry, a place with such a proud heritage in the industry."