(Yicai Global) Nov. 10 -- Saleen Automotive Inc., a California-based sports car maker, is preparing to land in Nantong, Jiangsu province to produce high-end sports cars and ship them worldwide.

Saleen held a press briefing in Shanghai for the first time on Nov. 8. "Saleen is a no longer a niche brand of super sports car," said Wang Xiaolin, chairman of Jiangsu Secco Automotive Technology Co. "It will provide the public with affordable, high-end products and unveil electric super cars, sports-utility vehicles and sedans."

The firm is known for building its own sports cars using technology from other carmakers. Its existing models include Saleen versions of the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro.

At the Nov. 8 conference, the firm unveiled its Saleen S1, a sports car based on the Artega GT.

Steve Saleen founded the company in 1983. It has since won a collection of Manufacturers' Championships under the Sports Car Club of America. Its S7 model, released in 2000, sold for USD36 million and was selected as one of the top ten world's most expensive cars by Forbes.