The Chinese auto industry news in brief:
Roewe W2
According to the Chinese motoring press, the Roewe W2 that was recently unveiled at the Shanghai Auto show will be put into production by the end of year. Also, the W2 will NOT be a replacement for the 750, but will rather sit below the 750 in the Roewe product range, kind of like a Focus and Mondeo relationship. The price tag is also being set at lower than 200,000rmb so Roewe are definitely heading into Ford Focus territory.
Mazda 2 going into production in China
The Mazda 2 will be going into production in the second half of 2007 in the brand spanking new Chang’an Ford Mazda factory that is based in Nanjing City (near the Nanjing MG factory!)
BYD F6
The BYD F6, the mid size saloon from BYD (which looks rather like a Chinese Camry) will also go into production later this year, and will probably go on the market in either late 07 or early 08 (after the Chinese New Year, perhaps?)
Roewe W2 will destroy the MG5 in the domestic Chinese market.
Who wants to buy a ten year old Honda?
Ford Starts Production in New Nanjing Facility
Fords new joint venture engine production facility, Changan Ford Mazda Engine Company Ltd. (CFME) in Nanjing, China commenced its production line with a series of engines. The Nanjing assembly and manufacturing plants will supply production operati…