Published by Ash November 30th, 2008
in Fiat.
Fiat has reportedly put forward its plans for two joint venture agreements to the Chinese central government for approval. The plans appear to show that Fiat plans to work with both Chery, and Guangzhou Auto Group.
Chery and Fiat previously came to an agreement to produce the Alfa Romeo in China, but until now, no news of its Chinese domestic production came to light. Fiat also signed up with Guangzhou Auto to provide platforms and support for a range of new cars. Previously Fiat was signed up with Nanijng Automotive, but a rash of issues such as low sales, bland vehicles, and Nanjing being rather preoccupied with their new MG venture, prematurely ended their Nanjing JV.
The breakup of the Fiat-Nanjing JV left Fiat without access to any factories to produce any cars domestically in the PRC, and have thus been importing a varying range of small cars into China, however, sales of these imported models have been far from excellent.
Fiat is reportedly planning to work with Chang’an Suzuki to produce the Fiat Sedici in the PRC. The Sedici is essentially a remodeled Suzuki SX4 that both Fiat and Suzuki worked on, the two models are sold side by side in certain foreign markets, but it will be the first time Suzuki and Fiat have worked together in the PRC.
Published by Ash November 29th, 2008
in Porsche China.
The upcoming Porsche Panamera was recently seen out wafting around Beijing Shanghai, possibly showing that Porsche have put China amongst their most important markets. The Panerama is expected to be put into production in 2009 in Lepzig, Germany and then limited to just 20,000 cars per year.
Porsche have seen their market explode in China, especially with the Cayenne SUV, which has found itself practically controlling the luxury SUV segment. The Panamera will go up against the Maserati Quattroporte, which has also found itself a niche market for in the super tourer markets, making them a common site in eastern large Chinese cities.
Published by Ash November 27th, 2008
in JAC Motors.
Chang’an are one of the up and coming Chinese producers, they have a certain advantage over other Chinese players such as Geely, and Chery. Factors such as Chang’an’s nicer automobile designs, their plentiful experience in building cars (they’ve been working with Ford, Mazda,Volvo, and Suzuki) and their direct location in the Chinese hinterland, where the car market has yet to be opened up to any sort of a degree. Eastern China is flooded with cars, but its expected that central and western China are set to be the big sales arena in the PRC.
Chang’an have made a few of their own designed cars, but we’ve yet to see them on the roads in any sort of number, their sub brand Landwind, is seen more often, but still in small numbers. The below V101 is Chang’ans entry into the super-mini segment, and its nearest competitor is expected to be the JAC Tong Rui.
The Chang’an V101 Concept car was unveiled earlier this year, and the end production model has stayed true to its concept, although the lights at the front remind us of the new Mazda6, whilst the rear ones remind us of the old Mazda6. However, the overall style of the car is quite sharp, and if sold at a reasonable price, which we have no doubt it will be, then we see no reason why Chang’an cant sell a million of these. This models closest competitor is the recently launched JAC A138, but seeing as JAC is over a 1000 miles away in Anhui province, and Chang’an are in Chongqing, we cant see these two cars having a massive clash in the market place.
Published by Ash November 27th, 2008
in FAW-Mazda and First Automobile Works.
Mazda, and its joint venture partner FAW, have plans to build a new factory which will see their production increase by 100,000 cars per year.
Mazda plan to begin sales of the new Mazda 6 in 2009, and will sell it alongside the existing Mazda 6. The existing Mazda 6 sold 60,000 units from January until the end of October, showing that the old ‘6 still has some sales power left in it. Mazda have been carrying out advertising that by adding 10,000rmb to your car buying budget, you can jump from the A-Segment (compact sedan) to the B-Segment (mid size sedan), which easily affords the current Mazda 6.
Final plans for the factory, and its geographical location have not yet been announced by Mazda or FAW.
Published by Ash November 27th, 2008
in Buick China and Shanghai GM.
The Buick LaCrosse has been out in China for barely two years, but GM have decided that the already excellent looking car is due for a face lift. The Chinese LaCrosse was designed by Shanghai GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, which bestowed quite a beautiful sedan on China, at least beautiful when compared to its pie faced cousin in the USA.
The new Buick Lacrosse, or possibly the Chinese version of the new Lacrosse was spotted out testing in China recently:
The new Lacrosse is supposed to be built on a new global platform designed by GM, and will bring with it the choice of 2.4 ecotec and 3.6 V6 engines. The new Lacrosse will be up against some stiff competition in the Chinese mainland, particularly the new Nissan Teana, as well as the Honda Accord.
Buick China appears to be using a ‘dual strike’ tactic when it comes to shoring up flagging sales, with the launch of the Opel Insignia as the new Buick Regal, and the new Lacrosse entering the market next year, it seems that GM China have prepared themselves well for 2009 and 2010, only the sales figures will give us the final results.
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