McLaren’s plan to launch MP4-12C in the U.S. in mid-2011 still on course

McLaren’s plan to launch the 200-mph MP4-12C supercar in the United States and Canada in mid-2011 is on track, says Tony Joseph, McLaren’s newly appointed regional director for North America. Joseph responded to rumors that the North American launch of the MP4 is being delayed, asserting that the story has no validity.

While Joseph admits that McLaren discussed the possibility of exhibiting at this December’s Los Angeles Auto Show, it was decided to be too early for the launch plan.

He said that the first MP4s will reach North American customers by May or June 2011, which is about six months after the first cars roll out of McLaren’s U.K. factory. Joseph is presently based in temporary offices in the Soho district of New York.

He joined McLaren from Ferrari North America last June and is currently building up a team of 12 to 14 people to run McLaren’s factory-owned North American distribution operation.

The permanent site is said to be ready next year.

Joseph said that McLaren is near to finalizing its dealer network and will start signing contracts for the first dealers in the first quarter of 2010.