Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. plans to return to the Detroit auto show in 2017 after a one-year hiatus.

 

The state-owned Chinese automaker, which hopes to launch U.S. sales in the next few years, plans to exhibit on the main show floor.

 

GAC made its debut at the Detroit auto show in 2013. At the 2015 show, GAC displayed the Witstar autonomous hybrid concept and the GS4 SUV.

 

"As we look to establish ourselves as a global brand we are optimistic we can gain more momentum following the announcements we will make this coming January in Detroit," said GAC Vice Chairman Zeng Qinghong in a statement.

 

GAC operates manufacturing and sales joint ventures with Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. GAC officials are seeking assistance from FCA officials to begin U.S. sales in the next few years.

 

This month, a Chinese delegation including GAC Group Chairman Zhang Fangyou met with FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne and global Jeep brand head Mike Manley in Auburn Hills, Mich.

 

China production of the Jeep Renegade began in April in a new plant in Guangzhou. China production of the Jeep Cherokee started on Oct. 19, 2015, at the GAC-FCA Changsha plant.

 

GAC and FCA also build the Fiat Viaggio compact sedan and the Fiat Ottima compact hatchback in the central China city of Changsha.

 

Marchionne noted during the delegation's visit that Maserati and Alfa Romeo have potential in China.

 

"Maserati captivated the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition last month with the unveiling of the Levante, the first SUV in Maserati's hundred-year history," Marchionne said. "Alfa Romeo has not yet arrived in China, but we are counting on it being an increasingly important market as the brand develops a full line of premium sports cars."

 

Press previews for the 2017 Detroit show are scheduled for Jan. 9 and 10. More than 5,000 journalists from 60 countries attended the 2016 press preview.