SouEast launches minivan to target rural buyers

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SouEast have been struggling to find their feet since in the Chinese market since the market heated up considerably in 2006 and 2007, prior to this they were happy to producing older Mitsubishi models, in 2009 Mitsubishi ramped up its partnership with SouEast which saw the introduction of the latest generation of Lancer and will also see the introduction of the Colt in the future. But with Mitsubishi forming a joint venture with Guangzhou Auto it could be that Mitsubishi are no longer interested in working with SouEast no longer.

In 2011 SouEast will have to become more independent if it is to survive the next decade without falling under another automakers ownership. SouEast are now eager to take on the cars to the countryside program which has seen the government offer generous subsidies to rural car buyers that are willing to swap their tractors in for more modern vehicles. The SouEast Xi Wang mini van was first unveiled at the 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show and has recently launched with a 1.3L engine. The 1.3L engine is an unusually large engine for this type of vehicle as 800CC, 1.0L and 1.1L are more commonplace, so it seems that its large engine is the unique selling point here.  Prices for the Xi Wang range from 36,800rmb to 49,800rmb.