Published by Ash August 11th, 2008
in Shanghai VW.
According to Chinese media reports, VW are planning to launch the 6th Generation VW Golf in China in 2009, giving the Chinese a wonderful jump from the 4th generation straight to the 6th generation.
China did actually get the 5th generation Golf, but it was in the form of an imported 3 door or 5 door GTI version, retailing well above the Chinese made Golf, it didnt sell in vast numbers but it did garner sales from those who appreciate a hot hatch.
The new Golf is expected to be launched in Europe this fall, and will reach China at a later date. The Chinese made 4th Gen Golf’s popularity has dwindled in recent months, with the Golf only selling 181 cars in July 2008. Perhaps its time for a new model to kick start some Golf sales, although the low sales price (starting at a rumoured 165,000rmb) may well go some way to entice potential customers into the dealerships. Under the hood the Golf is expected to make full use of VW’s TSI technology, with a 1.2TIS and a 1.4TSI engine, a large 2.0TSI is also expected to be launched.
Published by Ash July 24th, 2008
in Shanghai VW.
Shanghai VW are reportedly working on another secret car, possibly a ‘New Midsize Sedan’ or NMS. The car is expected to replace the VW Passat Lingyu in China by 2010, and will also go on sale in the USA. The car is planned to be the same size as the currenty Toyota Camry, but at the usual VW price.
VW are planning to build a new production plant in Chattanooga, USA which will produce the NMS by 2011, which could lead to Chinese made VW NMS’ models being sold in the US for a year.
The Chinese press were unable to get an official comment from Shanghai VW on the NMS project, however, last year Shanghai VW and VW came to an agreement that Shanghai VW would be responsible for developing a new vehicle body including exterior and interior parts.
More news on this as we get it!
Published by Ash July 8th, 2008
in Shanghai VW.
The latest China only incarnation of the VW Bora has been spotted out testing in North East China:
VW’s China line up is truly confusing, with various different models aimed at the same segment. The new VW Bora will go up against the recently launched SAIC VW Lavida, as well as the Sagitar, and the larger VW Magotan. Confused? We are, so imagine what it feels like for the average Chinese customer.
Published by Ash May 28th, 2008
in Shanghai VW.
The VW Gol is a model from VW aimed at developing markets, it was initially only for Brazil but seems to have spread itself far and wide. SAIC are the manufacturers of the Gol in China, and have seen some success sales wise. The three door variant was not extremely popular, but the 5 door version proved relatively popular for its straight looks and decent price. Sadly, the pick up truck versions nor the wagons, never made it to China.
The new Gol for Brazil may well come to China, but the question of ‘when?’ seems to be the biggest question right now for Chinese motor fans!
Published by Ash May 14th, 2008
in Shanghai VW.
VW are being secrative about the platform that will be used on the new China only VW Lavida. Previous news reports have stated that it will be the newer PQ35, but later reports have said that it may actually be the old PQ34. VW havent been forthcoming on either denying or confirming what platform the Lavida will be using, which has caused the Chinese motoring press to go into speculation overdrive.
One automotive news outlet, Autohome.com.cn garned from a VW official that the PQ35 platform would be used, however, they seem to have gained information at a later date that indicates the Lavida may not be using the PQ35 but the older PQ34.
The PQ platform is used across a wide range of VW vehicles, including Audi, Skoda, and SEAT. The PQ35 features fully independent rear suspension and is considered to be an improvement on the previous PQ34 platform.
Published by Ash May 9th, 2008
in Shanghai VW and Chinese Car News.
The Bora was a previous generation Jetta in Europe, but it continues to thrive in China via the FAW (First Auto Works) VW joint venture, the Livida on the other hand, is a completely new car from SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp) and VW. The two cars are roughly the same size, they are on a different generation of platform, they both wear VW badges and are aimed at a similar type of client, but what is different about them? China Car Times cant help but feel that VW has become the British Leyland of China with different products competing against each other in the same market segment!VW FAW unveiled the latest incarnation of the Bora out at the Beijing Auto Show, and VW SAIC unveiled the Livida, which gave a lot of people the chance to compare between the two cars!
Continue reading ‘VW Bora V’s VW Lavida - Just what the heck is different?’
Published by Ash April 8th, 2008
in Shanghai VW and Volkswagen Group China.
The VW Lavida is to be a ‘China Only’ car, and has had Chinese motor fans going crazy over the past few weeks - ever since the rumors of a new VW were aired. Fans can now rest at ease, the VW Lavida is shown below in all of its glory.
The Chinese motoring press are hinting that the Lavida will be a mini ‘luxury’ car, possibly packing some of the features normally seen on the high end Phaeton.
Rumor has it, the Lavida is built off of the VW Bora platform, but is 100mm longer than the Bora sedan. This way, the Lavida will be in direct competition with the new Buick Excelle when both are launched towards the end of this year. Motor pro’s are guessing that the Lavida will come with either a 1.8 or a 2.0l engine, and probably not the 1.8T that is favored in the VW Sagitar. Price wise, we can see the Lavida falling in the 80 to 100,000rmb range.
Published by Ash April 4th, 2008
in Shanghai VW.
The original Santana is still made in China, and the good news for fans of old autos is that the Santana 1000 can now be had for the bargain price of 60,000rmb to 70,000rmb.
Previously, several models were offered, however due to dwindling sales Shanghai VW now only offer two models for the motorist who prefers a bit of German klasse class. The standard 1.8 Santana will set you back 69,000rmb and the ‘luxury’ 1.8 Santana is 79,000rmb. We’re not sure what exactly classes as a luxury on a 20 year old car, electric windows perhaps?
Published by Ash March 25th, 2008
in Shanghai VW.
We’re wondering if Nissan China will get a bit upset with VW using a name which sounds rather like Nissans Livina? Of course, no one really cares about English names for cars in China anyway! More on the Lavida previously on China Car Times
SHANGHAI Volkswagen Co Ltd said it will launch a new mid-class sedan in China this year to complete its product mix and tap the growing demand in the world’s second-largest auto market.
The model, named Livada and which means life and hope in Spanish, will be a brand-new version specially designed for the Chinese market under VW’s global product strategy.
”It will be the prototype for our next-generation model in the economy car sector and will also be the benchmark in the rapidly expanding segment,” the company said.
Shanghai Volkswagen is the joint venture between German car maker Volkswagen AG and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.
The Livada is expected to make its debut at the auto show in Beijing in April and will be marketed to appeal to young people.
The model illustrates Shanghai VW’s efforts to increase its self-development capabilities and compete with rival Shanghai GM.
Shanghai Volkswagen reported its sales rose 23 percent to 436,000 units last year, with the biggest sellers including the Santana, Polo, Touran and Skoda’s Octavia.
But General Motors Corp’s Chinese venture Shanghai GM held its sales crown in China last year with sales improving 22 percent to 500,000 units.
China’s passenger car sales rose 21.7 percent to 6.29 million units last year, according to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Published by Ash March 19th, 2008
in Shanghai VW.
The Olympics are right around the corner, and VW seem to be getting on with rolling out a range of Olympic cars for use within the games (ferrying officials around)
China Car Times is actually wondering if VW will release this car for sales with the Olympic branding attached, the Chinese really are going Olympic crazy and buying a fair share of Olympic merchandise! Also - what will happen to all of these cars after the Olympics are over, sell them at rock bottom prices? We hope so!
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