SHANGHAI, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Fiat SpA's (FIA.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) truck division Iveco expects up to 15 percent growth in annual vehicle exports from China in the next few years, a senior executive said at the China Europe International Business School's (CEIBS)  5th Annual China  Automotive Industry Forum 2007 on Monday Oct.29.

Iveco's commercial vehicle venture with Nanjing Automobile

(Group) was estimated to sell 7,000 to 8,000 light trucks overseas this year, Iveco China general manager Rudi von Meister told reporters on the sidelines of an industry forum.

The made-in-China vehicles would enable Iveco to break into markets where price is an important factor in pushing sales, Meister said.

He added that he projected between 10 to 15 percent growth in annual vehicle exports from China over the next few years.

Iveco also has a joint venture with SAIC Motor (600104.SS: Quote, Profile, Research) producing heavy vehicles in the southwestern city of Chongqing.

The state parents of SAIC and Nanjing Auto are now in talks to merge their assets.

The deal, if goes ahead, would be beneficial to Iveco as it would simplify its relationship with its two current Chinese partners, he said.

((Reporting by Fang Yan; editing by Paul Bolding; Reuters Messaging: yan.fang.reuters.com@reuters.net; +86 21 6104 1793)) Keywords: IVECO/CHINA EXPORTS

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