New cars for 2010 second half

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Now we are into the second half of 2010, it appears that the vast majority of automakers here in China are only just or have completely missed their middle of year sales goals which are likely to knock their end of year sales goals askew. Only BYD have so far come forward and lowered their sales goal for 2010, but over the next few weeks it is likely that many others will follow.

One way to keep those end of year sales goals alive is to introduce a range of new cars that will hopefully entice the consumers back into dealerships.

1. Next Gen Chery QQ3 – launch date – December 2012

The Chery QQ3 has been a major winner for Chery since its conception in 2003, despite the Matiz cloning scandal the QQ3 has sold extremely well in China and has even sold well in various export markets. The new QQ3 has had a serious facelift which is a bit like Marmite, you will either like it or hate it. It has taken on some of the styling from the Riich M1 with its cleft lip front end, but it is sure to sell well in certain markets in China and abroad.

This generation of QQ3 has had its interior and also engine power upgraded to meet new type of more demanding customers.

2. GAC 7200 Sedan

Despite the terrible name, the GAC 2700 sedan is likely to be known as either the Acumen or perhaps just its Chuan Qi Chinese name. This is the first self developed sedan from Guanghzou Auto, they have heavily invested in Fiat technology, notably the Afla 166 platform which is likely to give the sedan a great ride. Engine power is derived from the 2.0L Alfa engine that Guangzhou Auto acquired which produces 121Kw of power. At the Beijing Auto Show Guangzhou Auto showed a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine which was shown to be an FDI unit, at the time nobody really understood what Guangzhou Auto were talking about with regards to their FDI engine, but now it appears that FDI actually means Forced Direct Injection, the 2.0L FDI is good for 185Nm at 3900rpm.

More information on the Chuan Qi here.

Volvo S80L

The Volvo S80 has sold reasonably well in China so far, but with the introduction of an S80L, L of course standing for lengthened then Volvo is clearly going after BMW 5-series and Audi A6L territory. The S80L will come in 2.0T and 2.5T form.

Facelift Roewe 750

It’s hard to believe that the Roewe 750 has been out for 4 years already, it was launched in November 2006 and was one of the first articles on CCT. The facelfit 750 is supposedly going to have new lights front and back and also an update interior, but to what level we currently do not know. Spy pictures of the face lift Roewe 750 seem to indicate LED lights at the rear. The face lift version is just going to tide the Roewe 750 over until 2012 when a new generation of Roewe 750 will launch, and this is rumored to be based on the Buick Lacrosse platform.

Hyundai Verna

The Hyundai Verna is the next generation of Hyundai Accent and will launch in China in March 2011, quite a bit later than initially expected but will still launch all the same. It will be produced via the Beijing-Hyundai joint venture and will come with the choice of 1.4 and 1.6L engines. Judging by the popularity of the Hyundai Elantra, the Verna is likely to take over the compact sedan market in quite a short time.

Cruze 1.6T

This is the car that many have been waiting for, a turbo assisted Chevrolet Cruze. The 2011 Cruze will be carrying the 1.6T engine that is borrowed from the Buick Excelle hatch and produces 184bhp which goes through the front wheels. The American market seems to getting a 1.4T, but there is currently no indication if China will get the 1.4T, or if the USA will get the 1.6T.

Yue Yue MPV in Automatic form

The Yue Yue MPV has been a success for JAC. The MPV, which has fully removable seats, has the practically of a regular car but once the seats are removed it has a vastly increased storage area. The Yue Yue will launch with an automatic gearbox later this year mated to a 1.8L engine.