Archive for June, 2009
Not your everyday China car – the Ford Sierra
When I was a wee small lad, my father had a 1.6 Ford Sierra complete with front electric windows, and amazingly enough a sunroof AND electric wingmirrors. I was totally blown away by the ultimate ‘James Bond’ car that my dad had bought. So it came to my suprise that a Ford Sierra, albeit the [...]
Chairman Hu to ride in Hong Qing HQE V12 on Oct 1st
The Chinese Chairman, Hu Jintao, will be riding in the FAW made Hong Qi HQE, a Chinese design and developed limo which also houses the first domestically designed and built V12 engine. The HQE was designed specifically for use by high level governmental ministers, chiefly the Chairman of China, and also the Prime Ministers. October [...]
No big changes for new Jetta
The new Jetta is not going to die, in fact, it’s getting a round of rhinoplasty to give its front and rear a lift for 2010. Despite the current Chinese Jetta being a 1984 mark 2 VW Jetta, the Chinese have an odd love affair with the basic motor, probably due to its inability to [...]
Brilliance says no to FAW take over, must be independent!
Brilliance flat out denied any rumours of a future FAW takeover, and plan to follow an independent path. Rumors of FAW interest in a Brilliance takeover have been floating around for the past few weeks, especially since the central government started pushing for a consolidation of the Chinese car industry. Brilliance chairman, Mr. Qi Yu [...]
Brilliance FSV to launch next month
The superbly designed Brilliance FRV sedan is to launch next month according to automotive reports from earlier today. The FRV sedan is the first sedan that Brilliance has made from its new A-Class platform that it shares with Brilliance FRV hatch, crossover, and now the sedan. Prices of the FRV sedan have not yet been [...]
An ode to Bumblebee
Transformers are big in China, so when the Bumblebee comes to town everyone goes slightly nostalgic for the ‘big yellow bee’. Over the weekend, a few ‘Camaro fans’ got together to go on a Camaro cruise across Shanghai in their Camero-esque cars, even the Chevrolet Cruze from last week took part. Our favorite has to [...]
Why Geely is the future
Although Geely has a reputation of being a big player in the low end bargain bin segment of the market, they are in fact gearing up to be a world player. It is often said that Chery are expected to become the Chinese number 1 automotive maker, but news of Geely’s university that they set [...]
Geely formally acquires DSI – Worlds 2nd largest gearbox manufacturer
From gasgoo: Shanghai, June 17 (Gasgoo.com) A completion ceremony for Geely Automobile Holdings’ acquisition of Australian automatic transmission supplier Drivetrain Systems International (DSI) was held on Monday in Melbourne, which marks Geely’s ownership of the DSI gearbox factory at Lavington officially begins. Geely has appointed former Drivetrain Systems International chief executive Mike Turner to a similar [...]
Kia Forte launched in China
Dongfeng-Kia launched their latest locally made sedan with a bang last night, and with good pricing as well. The Kia Forte will sell in China for 98,800rmb to 139,800rmb depending on specification. The base model will be a 1.6l, and the top model will gain a 2.0l engine, both engine specifications come with the choice [...]
Chang’an readying hybrids!
From CCT Green: Chang’an is well prepared for the upcoming green revolution, they’ve been selling some well designed cars for the past few years but sales have not been all that great. Their ben ben model was their greatest success so far, but their latest MPV and sedan offerings have not faired so well in [...]
Chinese guys make supercar from an old Geely, fiberglass, and optimism
These guys in Dongzhuang city in Shandong province built their own supercar styled monster out of a Geely Beauty Leopard, lots of fiberglass and heaps of optimism. Whilst the below car certainly looks the part, we cant help but wonder what sort of noises it’s making. Remember that the Geely Beauty Leopard is a 1.3l [...]
Geely becomes Volvo’s new master
According to auto.sohu.com, Ford and Geely autos have already struck an agreement to sell Volvo to the privately owned Chinese automaker. Auto.sohu.com says that Vovlo will be relocating a production line to Dongguan city in Guangdong where the first Volvo under Geely stewardship will be made, the first model to be made by a Geely [...]
Jaguar Landrover setting up parts distribution center in Suzhou
According to China Knowledge: Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by India’s Tata Motors Ltd, recently set up a new auto-parts distribution center in Suzhou in eastern China, as part of its expansion plan in the country, sources reported. The newly-established center is the company’s largest one in the Asia-Pacific region and will supply auto [...]
BYD to begin consumer sales of BYD F3DM
China Car Times Green is reporting that the BYD F3DM will be available for private buyers very soon: The BYD F3DM became the first Chinese mass produced hybrid vehicle when it was announced earlier this year, initially it was only available to government buyers. The Shenzhen government, did buy several vehicles, and the Hong Kong [...]
Geely EC718 (FE2) to launch soon
The Geely EC718/FE2 is to launch in the second half of this year under the Emgrand branding. The EC718 (a codename,to be replaced with FE2 at production time) will go into production soon according to media reports, and will be a major step forward for the Geely brand. The EC718 will be produced in the [...]
20 18New Chinese made cars launching in second half
The second half of 2009 is expected to be a steller year for the self developed Chinese car industry with no fewer than 20 18 new cars being launched in the second half of this year, these are as follows: Chery QQme Haima M2 New Xiali Brilliance FSV Brilliance FRV Crossover JAC Tongrui Chery Cowin2 JAC [...]
Greatwall branded Yaris-like car spotted in GWM car park!
Great Wall declared in mid 2006 that they were planning on expanding away from their usual safety zone of pick up trucks, and SUV’s and get themselves into the hatchback business. Many remarked that such a massive change in vehicle line up would be impossible, especially with the Great Wall brand being synonymous with being [...]
Chinese Govt Car Purchases – Facts and Figures
The Chinese government is a massive organisation, Americans are often discussing the benefits of big governments v’s small governments, and they often regularly change their mind as to what they want over an eight year cycle. The Chinese government doesn’t go through these cycles of change, so we get big government all the time. A [...]
Ford planning to teach China to drive
Good luck, Ford! From a Ford Press Release: Ford Motor Company today launched its global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) driver education program in China, together with its joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. and Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd. Driving Skills for Life training sessions will be conducted through the end of August [...]
Jetta to China: ‘Im not dead, yet!’
Various media outlets previously reported that the VW Jetta was on the verge of extinction in the PRC, and was set to be shelved soon by FAW-VW. Except, it’s not true. VW arent quite ready to take the Jetta out to the pasture just yet, in fact they are getting ready to give the old [...]
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