Paul Tan's Automotive News » China

China’s Chery to set up assembly plant in Vietnam

Danny Tan — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:30:22 +0000

Chery has signed an agreement with a Vietnamese company to assemble and sell vehicles in the ASEAN country, the Chinese car company revealed, although no further details were furnished.

The Vietnam plant will become Chery’s 17th CKD plant outside of China, but they won’t be the first Chinese carmaker setting up shop in the fast growing country – Great Wall Motor and Chongqing Lifan Industry (Group) Co already have CKD plants in Vietnam.

Global giants Toyota, Ford and GM, as well as Suzuki, already assemble vehicles in Vietnam, which has a population of 90 million people and a per capita GDP of $1,200, according to Chery.

Chery has been rather active, and fast growing. The Anhui-based state owned company saw strong export performance in 2011, and their next target is Europe. Back home, it recently struck a US$2.8 billion deal to build both Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in China, for the Chinese market.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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China’s Brilliance hires Pininfarina man Dimitri Vicedomini

Danny Tan — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:57:56 +0000

China’s Brilliance makes decent looking cars compared to its local rivals, and a lot of the good work comes from the famous Italian design house Pininfarina. The former loves Pininfarina’s designs so much that they’ve decided to hire the man who penned them.

The Pininfarina designer in question is Dimitri Vicedomini, who has 15 years of design experience. He previously led a Pininfarina team to design and modify several Brilliance models, including the BS4 Splendor (pic below) and Zhonghua H530 saloons.

Brilliance Auto, based in Shenyang, northeast China, sold 30,446 Brilliance-branded cars and 69,354 Jinbei vans in the first quarter of 2012. It is also the local partner for BMW.

Chinese carmakers using Western designers is no new phenomenon. Recent examples include Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp hiring former Ferrari designer Leonardo Fioravanti as consultant and Geely naming Volvo’s Peter Horbury as its design chief.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Reports: Volvo hands over XC90 platform to owner Geely

Danny Tan — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:28:32 +0000

Reports from China say that Volvo has handed over the XC90 platform to its Chinese owner, Geely. National Business Daily says that Geely will use the SUV platform to develop a vehicle that will sit in a new high-end sub-brand for the Chinese market. The hand over agreement was signed in March.

Makes good sense, since Volvo is already working on the next generation XC90 that will hit the market in 2014. And although the XC90 is far from a fresh face on the road (it has been around since 2003), Geely will be inheriting safe, sturdy and proven underpinnings that meet current standards. The P2 platform on which the XC90 is based on also underpins cars like the S80 and Ford Taurus.

Geely launched its first ever SUV at the recent Beijing show. Called the GLEagle GX7, the seven-seater is powered by a 4G18 1.8 litre and a 4G20 2.0 litre engine. Click here to view a live gallery from the show.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Geely GX7 SUV – the GLEagle has landed

Anthony Lim — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:28:38 +0000

Since we’re back on a bit of a roll, here’s another one from Beijing. Geely’s GLEagle GX7 is the first SUV from the company which owns Volvo, and the seven-seater has just made its market debut in China.

Shape-wise, you’ll again probably see that reinterpreted from elsewhere, but the lines look clean enough on the 4,540 mm long, 1,835 mm wide and 1,700 mm tall vehicle, which has a 2,661 mm wheelbase.

The GX7 is available in two petrol engine guise forms, these being a 4G18 1.8 litre and a 4G20 2.0 litre. Reports mention that a 2.4 litre unit is to join the lineup sometime this year. At the show, what looked like a diesel mill called the 4D20 was also mentioned, but no idea if that’s currently on the cards.

Transmission options are a five-speed manual and six-speed auto, but there’s also mention of a 7DCT unit in that mix (though the diesel does only with manual and auto). Elsewhere, items on the kit list include ESC, seven airbags, a GSG Geely Intelligent Stop-go system, 17-inch wheels and 225/65 series rubbers.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Changan Raeton – midsize sedan goes the posh route

Anthony Lim — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:15:38 +0000

More from the sifted pile of Beijing pix. The name sounds like a play on the name of the son of the Greek god Helios, which of course adorns a certain German luxury sedan. But Changan’s Raeton 1.8T is very much its own car, and is very much a move into the upmarket side of things for the Chinese automaker, by the looks of it.

The 4.90 metre-long vehicle – the biggest model to bear the Changan name – is equipped with a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine, with output figures being 174 hp at 5,000 to 5,500 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,850 to 4,800 rpm.

The mill is mated to a six-speed auto box, and performance specs include a 210 km/h top speed and an 8.4 litre per 100 km fuel consumption. Other numbers include a 2,810 mm long wheelbase, and the car comes with ESP, with ABS, EBD and EBA in the list. No photos of the mid-sized offering’s interior, sorry about that – it was one of those many ‘snap and run’ moments.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Youngman Lotus L3 sedan given a minor facelift

Anthony Lim — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:06:12 +0000

Found this while sifting through the plethora of photos taken at Auto China, and it’s of the Youngman Lotus L3 sedan, which might be of interest to Proton anoraks. The Persona form there has been given a very, very minor facelift, as the GT variant shows.

Pretty sedate outing this, boring even if you compare it to the L3 GT seen at Auto Guangzhou in 2010, which looked like an Ah Beng’s dream come true. External changes are minimal, and these are made up of a new grille, front bumper and new taillamps, and the GT wears a different wheel design to the standard L3 (the one with the lady friend standing next to it and via side profile).

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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China’s SAIC eyes Thailand as RHD production hub

Danny Tan — Tue, 08 May 2012 04:02:01 +0000

Chinese auto giant SAIC Motor is looking to set up shop in Thailand, eyeing our northern neighbour as a right-hand drive production hub for export to RHD countries in ASEAN and beyond. SAIC is working with Thailand’s CP Group on this, Bangkok Post reported.

According to CP vice-chairman Thanakorn Seriburi, both parties will complete feasibility studies for the project by the fourth quarter this year.

“The study will include the cost of investment for making at least 50,000 passenger cars a year. The entry of the company would mean not only Chinese investment in the assembly plant, but also in auto parts,” Seriburi added.

SAIC, for Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, may be a faceless name to many, but the company is China’s number one automaker, with a mammoth 3.64 million vehicles made last year.

It is the owner of the classic British MG brand, and makes premium cars under its own brand Roewe. SAIC is also the local partner for Volkswagen and GM, the top two foreign automakers in China.

The grey hatch above is the MG5 and the orange notchback is the MG6. Click here to see a gallery of the supermini sized MG3 and here to view MG’s latest concept for the Beijing show. The “new MG” could be coming, anyone interested?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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SPIED: Changan Alsvin sedan spotted in Johor

Anthony Lim — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:48:34 +0000

Another Chinese sedan looks to be ready to enter the local market – reader Caddilac Wong spotted an example of the Chana Alsvin in Johor, and has kindly sent us photos of the parked trade-plated vehicle.

The Alsvin is equipped with a JL475QD 1.5 litre DOHC mill, good for 97 hp at 5,500 rpm and 137 Nm of torque at 3,500 to 4,500 rpm, and transmission options for the car are a five-speed manual or, in the case of the vehicle in the photos, a four-speed auto.

The example in the photos is a 1.5 AT Luxury variant, as determined by its fabric seats. Kit on the 4.36 metre-long offering should include two airbags, ABS and EBD as well as cruise control, based on the equipment list found on the domestic version.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Auto China 2012: the ladies of Beijing share the spotlight

Anthony Lim — Fri, 04 May 2012 07:12:24 +0000

As far as numbers go, the 2012 Beijing International Automobile Exhibition had plenty to go by – 230,000 sq metres of exhibition area at the China International Exhibition Center and a total of 1,125 vehicles on display being primary figures. The number of displays even bettered that in Frankfurt last year (1,012 displays), a rather significant point in one-upmanship.

Of course, the enormity of it all also means one thing – plenty of accompanying ladies. The sheer scope of the displays was such that there were eye-catching sights – metal or otherwise – every which way you turned.

Items like the Youngman Lotus T5, Honda Concept S and Concept C as well as the Toyota Dear Qin may have been of definite interest, but by and large the cars had to fight the ladies for attention from the pixmen.

So, here they are, the ladies of Auto China 2012 – see any faves in there? My camera never had to work as hard, ever, so enjoy!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Dongfeng-Honda Ciimo – an 8th-gen Civic for China

Anthony Lim — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:56:56 +0000

Dongfeng-Honda has introduced the Ciimo sedan specifically for the Chinese market – if the shape in the photos look familiar, it is; the Ciimo is pretty much the eight-generation Civic, repackaged for China.

The car – which made its debut in Beijing – is available in only one engine variant form, this being the 1.8 litre i-VTEC, mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed auto transmission. Kit includes ABS with EBD and active headrests.

Pricing for the Ciimo begins from 111,800 Yuan, and word is that the Ciimo name won’t just be worn on this one, but rather on a series of models as it becomes a sub-brand. Reports indicate that a SUV based on the CR-V is next on the cards.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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BAIC concepts ride on Saab 9-5 and 9-3 legs

Anthony Lim — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:29:45 +0000

Saab Automobile may be well and truly out for the count, but the company’s spirit continues on in the form of its platforms, adapted to a host of Chinese offerings.

Beijing Automotive Group showcased a series of concept models in Beijing – all styled in partnership with Italian design house Fioravanti – that utilise the 9-5 and 9-3 platforms as their starting base.

The list is led by the C70G and C60F sedans, which ride on a reworked 9-5 platform called the M-trix, and the C50E sedan and a rather cool-looking C51X crossover utilise 9-3-based architecture. BAIC owns Chinese production rights to the two platforms, having acquired them from GM three years ago when the US automaker was still owner of the Swedish brand.

The state-owned company also had the C90L as its integral display, with the B-pillarless executive limousine featuring suicide doors and a V12 mill, among others.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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CH-Auto Lithia – flash goes electric, the Chinese way

Anthony Lim — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:32:32 +0000

Sitting in a quiet corner in Auto China 2012 were two electric vehicles from CH-Auto, one presenting a sports car take on the go-green path. The Lithia, as the prototype two-seater Beijing debutant is called, looks sporty enough, even if some of the lines might look a bit borrowed.

It’s powered by an air-cooled AC induction motor offering 201 hp of power with the unit spinning between 7,000 to 8,000 rpm, as well as 220 Nm of torque from 0-5,000 rpm, driving the rear-wheels.

The motor, rated to a maximum 11,000 rpm, gets its juice from a 36 kWh and 106 Ah Li-ion battery pack, and performance figures include a 150 km operating range, a 170 km/h top speed and an under 12 seconds 0-100 km/h sprint time. Not exactly blazing, but hey, it’s an electric.

The 4.5 metre-long Lithia weighs in at 1,600 kg, and normal charge time is seven hours, with fast charging to 80% possible in just 70 minutes. It rides on 215/30, 19-inch front and 245/40 20-inch rear wheels, and features a front disc and rear drum brake system.

Keeping the Lithia company on display was the smart-like Cylent city car. The 2.85-metre long two-seater features a permanent magnet synchronous motor at the heart of things, and weighs in at a modest 700 kg.

Performance-wise, the Cylent can travel 100 km on a single charge, with a top speed of better than 50 km/h to be had. The 8.5 kWh Li-ion pack can be charged in two hours.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Foton Tunland – a pickup conjuring images of home

Anthony Lim — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:33:00 +0000

Not a Beijing debutant, but definitely worth the mention, if only for the novel take on things it presents. Foton, which came up with the Saga SUV some years back, had a pickup called the Tunland on show as part of the overall BAIC display.

Rather quaint name, this. Considering that rolling ‘Foton Saga’ off one’s lips immediately conjures images of a particular sedan, the initial thought must surely be that the pickup’s name is a homage to erm, Proton’s advisor, as well as the tanah air, but it’s probably an amalgamation of tundra and terrain. You think?

Oh, yes, the truck itself. The Foton Tunland comes in single-cab, extra cab and double-cab forms. The latter, seen at the show, has a 2.8 litre Cummins ISF2.8s4161P diesel mill, good for 161 hp at 3,600 rpm and 360 Nm from 1,800 to 3,000 rpm, mated to a Cadillac-derived manual transmission.

Performance figures include a 150 km/h top speed as well as a 0-100 km/h time of less than 13.5 seconds. Safety kit includes ABS and EBD, as well as two airbags, and there’s a 129 hp version of the ISF 2.8 too in the mix.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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FAW Hongqi L7 and H7 – it’s the retro and modern show

Anthony Lim — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:56:07 +0000

If it’s good enough for the leaders, it’s definitely good enough only for them, in this case.

In Beijing, Red Flag – or better known as Hongqi – had its premier L7 limousine as its showcase display. One can’t run out and buy one of these retro-looking beasts – which wears a Hongqi-derived 402 hp 6.0 litre V12 and sits on a platform derived from the Toyota Landcruiser – because the car is set to be used only by erm, top party officials.

For the masses, the FAW-owned company has the more contemporary looking H7 luxury sedan, which also made its debut in Beijing. This one is set to go up against the likes of the 5 Series and E-Class. Three model variants are on call, or four, if you want to count the PHEV version listed in the book.

The entry-level offering has a FAW-made 2.0 litre turbo lump, with 201 hp at 5,500 rpm and 260 Nm at 2,000 rpm for numbers. The next model up the line is a NA 2.5 litre V6, also offering 201 hp at 6,300 rpm, but less torque, with 242 Nm at 3,000 rpm.

As for the range-topping H7, it’s a 228 hp and 300 Nm 3.0 litre V6-equipped model; both this and the 2.5 V6 are Toyota mills. Rather impressively, Hongqi is touting a 7.1 litre per 100 km consumption for the 5.10 metre-long vehicle in both its 2.0T and 2.5 V6 forms, and 7.2 litres in the case of the 3.0 V6, over a combined cycle!

Oh, inside a dedicated presentation room at the Hongqi stand was what was tagged a L9 – guess that’s even more plush and premium than the L7. Maybe it’s the one meant for the Premier.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Jag XJ Ultimate – special Coventry cat presented in China

Jonathan James Tan — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:43:57 +0000

For the select few who consider their XJs a little too, ahem, common, Jaguar provides a solution in the form of the XJ Ultimate, which pounces on to the global stage here in Beijing.

The saloon is a product of Jaguar’s new ETO (Engineered To Order) division, a department which also created the Victoria Beckham Evoque.

Buyers can choose from a new 3.0 litre supercharged petrol V6 producing either 335 or 375 hp, the familiar 5.0 litre petrol V8 or the 3.0 litre turbocharged diesel V6. An eight-speed auto is standard fare.

Meanwhile, 20-spoke alloys, chromed air intakes and stainless steel oval tailpipes ensure the lucky owners won’t lose their XJ in an XJ-only car park.

The audiophiles within that select few will rejoice, for British sound specialists Meridian have designed a 20-speaker, twin-subwoofer, 825-watt surround sound system specifically for this car.

Bedecked also with interior pleasantries such as a champagne cooler (with Goran Hongell champagne glasses, no less), business table that powers into position, heated steering wheel and iPads for the electrically-adjustable rear seats (which massage you too), the XJ Ultimate certainly lives up to its name.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Hyundai Langdong launched in China – it’s the Elantra MD

Danny Tan — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:55:54 +0000

Hyundai, whose joint venture in China is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, unveiled the Elantra Langdong at the ongoing Beijing show. Langdong, which can be translated as a “dynamic (car) for the young, new generation,” is based on the C-segment ‘MD’ Elantra, but with a more conventional chrome bar grille. Which face do you prefer?

As with our Elantra, Hyundai’s 1.6L (Gamma) and 1.8L (Nu) MPI engines with D-CVVT will be offered on Langdong. With six-speed automatic and manual transmissions, and Active ECO driving mode, Hyundai claims best in class fuel economy in China.

Premium features include a navigation system, dual-zone auto air con, ventilated/heated powered seats, push start button, side airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system, among other things.

Also, Hyundai will introduce its Blue Link infotainment system in the Langdong. Blue Link offers a variety of features such as safety and maintenance alerts, navigation and remote control. This Blue Link service will be introduced throughout the brand’s range in China this year.

The Langdong will be produced at Hyundai’s new, third plant in Beijing in the second half of 2012. Currently under construction, the plant will raise Hyundai’s maximum production capacity in China to one million units.

Click here for our local launch report and here for our review of the Elantra.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Bufori’s flagship Geneva makes China debut in Beijing

Danny Tan — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:17:18 +0000

Bufori has officially launched its flagship Geneva model in China with a debut at the ongoing Beijing show. The Geneva, which made its world debut at Geneva 2010, is like nothing else on earth – the big car features a 6.4 litre engine, powered rear-hinged coach doors, adjustable air suspension and a luxurious cabin.

The unit displayed in Beijing was specially hand crafted for Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay, founder of YTL Corporation. Not able to decide what to give a man who has everything, the Yeoh family commissioned Bufori to build a car that became the precursor of the Bufori Geneva.

Like them, Chinese customers will be able to personalise the Geneva to their exact requirements. An unlimited choice of interior trim colours and combinations, wood veneers, exterior paint colours and combinations will be available.

One of the highlights of the Geneva is its rear centre console, which can accommodate a coffee machine, mini-bar, fridge and even a fine bone China tea set with instant hot and cold water, among other things.

This is another milestone for the Malaysian-based company, after the recent opening of its flagship showroom in Shanghai. Bufori’s expansion in China will continue with the opening of dealerships in Beijing, Chengdu and Shenzhen.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Youngman Lotus T5 – some photos of the SUV’s interior

Anthony Lim — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:14:33 +0000

You’ve seen the exterior of the Youngman Lotus T5 SUV, which made its debut in Beijing at Auto China 2012 a few days ago.

The interior was locked up by the time Jonathan was going about his coverage of it, but there was a small window of opportunity that presented itself when I popped over by the display as Datuk Syed Zainal was taking a closer look at the T5.

Apologies if the shots aren’t the snazziest (or for that matter, that plentiful, but it was a quick burst on the cam and then off on the next dash in an attempt to catch as much of the show as possible), as well as for the time lapse in getting them up – it’s only now that I’ve been able to really start sorting out the 1,800 shots I took!

As for the T5, it really does look rather delicious in the metal, and the interior, based on the glimpse, is equally snazzy. Oh, as an aside, based on some of the comments from the Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept post, many will like what’s coming up next week – you can presumably guess what the post will be about!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Citroen Numero 9 Concept exudes dark glamour

Jonathan James Tan — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:09:02 +0000

C’est magnifique! Having whetted the appetite of the world’s press with pictures of its Numero 9 Concept beforehand (we ran an earlier story here), Citroen finally bared all at Auto China 2012 in a dark, classy setting, complete with intricate chandelier hanging just inches from the car’s roof.

Take in that aggressively raked windscreen and rear end adorned with a C-shaped rear spoiler, and those flashy 21-inch wheels. It’s got a profile not unlike that of a shooting brake, and brings a Ferrari FF to mind. Citroen say this concept combines the design cues of a future C- and D-segment sedan and SUV for the DS brand.

You say 9 in French – neuf – and this svelte black beauty could well become the DS9, the big, luxury sedan in the premium DS range, and therefore the true spiritual successor to the legendary Citroen DS of the 1950s. To illustrate this, an original DS 23, in immaculate condition, was placed just across the stand from the new car.

The Numero 9 has a plug-in hybrid powertrain involving a 225 hp 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and an 70 hp electric motor. There is a ‘boost’ function that when activated, Citroen say, will unleash all 300 hp for a 5.4-second 0-100 km/h time.

Citroen’s upmarket DS range currently comprises the DS3, DS4 and DS5, all of which are about to go on sale in China.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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First Denza electric vehicle surfaces at Auto China 2012

Jonathan James Tan — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:27:32 +0000

Hot on the trail of electric vehicle brands like Fisker Automotive and Tesla Motors is newcomer Denza, the result of a 50:50 joint venture between China’s BYD and Mercedes’ parent company Daimler. You see here the first product of their alliance – a cool blue fellow that appears to not have a name.

Underpinning it is the first-gen Mercedes B-Class platform – a flat floor platform originally designed to house batteries. Daimler take care of the styling, body and chassis while BYD focus on the electric powertrain (BYD used to supply lithium-ion batteries to mobile phone companies, and its E6 model is currently undergoing testing as taxis in Shenzhen).

The NEV’s powertrain is borrowed from the E6, which means its shares the same advanced lithium-ion phosphate battery that allows a 300 km range. Other numbers are unclear, but the E6 taxis in Shenzhen are reported to charge fully in 20 to 30 minutes without deterioration of battery health, and max out at 140 km/h.

Denza’s target market is the increasingly urban and open-minded Chinese middle-class. The company aims to be a premium brand of alternative-energy vehicles.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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FAW Oley – production vehicle makes Beijing debut

Anthony Lim — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:31:46 +0000

Remember the FAW Oley? The car with the striking name that was announced at the Guangzhou auto show in November last year is set to begin sales in China – it’s one of the group’s highlights at the ongoing Beijing show.

The 4.48 metre-long car – which uses a Mk II VW Jetta PQ32 platform for its underpinnings – is powered by a 1.5 litre ETI engine offering 101 hp at 6,000 rpm and 135 Nm at 4,400 rpm, and the lump is mated to a S40i four-speed automatic transmission, which offers 11 multiple-road-condition patterns and six intelligent drive modes.

There’s also a five-speed manual option. Performance numbers include a 170 km/h top speed for the 1,106 kg vehicle, which also features ABS and EBD as standard safety kit – I can’t tell you more, because the brochure isn’t in English.

Currently, the Oley name adorns just the car, but plans are afoot to expand this into a sub-brand as it goes along. Apparently, pricing for the car – which will be made at FAW’s No 2 plant in Changchun – ranges from close to 63,000 Yuan to just under 90,000 Yuan for the highest-spec’d version, much lower than indicated earlier, surely something to cheer about.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept hints at the future

Jonathan James Tan — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:10:20 +0000

Set aside sensibilities like practicality and emissions regulations for a moment and see what happens when you really bring together the purest forms of ‘Motion and Emotion’ in a car. Peugeot has done just that with its striking Urban Crossover Concept, displayed for the first time at Auto China 2012.

At 4.14 metres long and 1.74 metres wide, the Urban Crossover is a compact vehicle designed for city driving. It shares the same platform as Peugeot’s 208 supermini, and targets the competitive European B-segment.

Penned by Peugeot’s studios in Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paulo, it is mainly a styling exercise to showcase how future Peugeots might look like. If this looker is anything to go by, we say bring it on!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Baojun 630 – 1.5L AT joins the treasured horse range

Anthony Lim — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:55:20 +0000

Some news about GM’s sub-brand Baojun – the 630 sedan, which was launched last year in five-speed manual form, gets new model variants for 2012. Seen in Beijing were the new 1.5 litre P-Tec DVVT AT, as well as a 1.8 litre AT version.

The 1.5L AT was actually launched earlier in the month, on April 12, but is making its show debut at Auto China. Pricing for the six-speed AT variant is 78,800 Yuan to 85,500 Yuan, as indicated in the release picked up at the show.

Performance-wise, the Euro IV-compliant 1.5 litre mill offers 110 hp at 5,800 rpm and 146 Nm of peak torque at 3,600 to 4,000 rpm (at 4,000 rpm, in the case of the manual), with a top speed of 170 km/h (add 5km/h to that for the stick shifter version).

As for the 1.8L model, the variant is set to be formally launched later this year, though not details are yet specified, save that the DVVT mill will also be mated to a GM six-speed GF6 series integrated manual-automatic transmission.

The 4.59 metre-long sedan – which sits on a Buick Excelle platform – has been doing pretty well since its introduction; the manual version managed to bag sales of over 9,000 units in its first month, and sales for the first quarter of 2012 have totaled 22.035 units.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Zotye Auto Z300 is another Beijing debutant

Anthony Lim — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:47:13 +0000

As would be obvious, there’s a veritable plethora of fresh Chinese offerings on parade at Auto China, many from manufacturers pretty much unknown to us. One such company is Zotye Auto, which has the Z300 sedan as its debutant at Beijing.

The face might look a bit familiar, and in fact many of the lines might – the front looks a bit Civic-ish, and the rest of the car looks like it could be borrowed from some Toyota.

There’s little info on the car proper – the brochure (all in Chinese) lists nothing beyond what it considers salient points, and these are a 2,700 mm wheelbase and a Mitsubishi 1.5 litre MIVEC mill.

There’s also a “western-style interior: European top fashion design,” which in this case happens to be a relatively neat, black-themed cabin dressed in leather.

Safety kit includes six airbags and ABS and EBD, and there’s the promise of excellent driving performance with the Z300, courtesy of the “BS Lotus Engineering chassis alignment” that the car has been blessed with. Expect to see more doppelgängers as this one as our stories from Beijing keep come along.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Renault Talisman brings Korean charm to the Chinese

Jonathan James Tan — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:21:12 +0000

This is the Talisman, another product of the Franco-Korean alliance Renault Samsung Motors that premiered yesterday at Auto China 2012. For the ever-brand-conscious Chinese market, this car wears a Renault badge but is actually otherwise the same as the Renault Samsung SM7, which went on sale in Korea last year.

A Nissan-sourced V6 engine will be offered in 2.5-litre and 3.5-litre displacements, which respectively produce 187 and 254 hp. Drive is sent to the front wheels via either a CVT or six-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn declares the Talisman the company’s flagship in China and emphasises the significance of the car’s launch into this fast-growing market. The mid-size sedan is built in the South Korean city of Busan, and Chinese buyers will be able to get their hands on the exports by June, costing them in the region of 300,000 RMB (RM150,000).

Renault have so far been unsuccessful in their attempts to join forces with a Chinese manufacturer to build cars in China. Let’s hope this Talisman will be their lucky charm.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Nissan Sylphy gets new engine and updated CVT

Jonathan James Tan — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:16:45 +0000

Nissan has released the new iteration of its Sylphy, the compact sedan which pitches against the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, and you saw it here first at Auto China 2012.

Apart from the addition of daytime-running LEDs, new headlamps and a new grille, it isn’t exactly worlds apart from the previous-gen model when you look at it from the outside. Interior amenities include dual-zone air con and keyless ignition.

However, the real changes are underneath. A new 1.8 litre MR engine is offered with Nissan’s Twin C-VTC technology. Like Toyota’s Dual VVT-i, the system continually alters the opening of both inlet and exhaust valves to suit driving conditions. The result is better fuel efficiency and more power.

The valve lifters are also now coated with a hydrogen-free, diamond-like carbon (DLC) to reduce friction. There is a change to the transmission too – the Xtronic CVT’s gear ratios are now wider, and the gearbox is lighter and smaller.

Built under license in Guangzhou by Dongfeng Nissan, the Sylphy will hit Chinese showrooms later in the year, and will be available in 120 countries around the world by 2014. It’s safe to say Malaysia will be among them.

UPDATE: More live gallery photos added, after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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MG Icon SUV concept – inspired by the brand’s past glories

Chris Ng — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:38:04 +0000

UPDATE: Gallery now has pictures from the show.

Well, it had to happen sooner or later. MG, the company that brought us the iconic MG Roadster so long ago, has unveiled a concept car at the Beijing Motor Show. It’s no roadster nor a hot hatch but an SUV, the first for the car company.

This SUV concept is called the MG Icon and is created by the MG global design team headed by British director Anthony Williams-Kenny. Although one of the watermarks in the picture credits SAIC Design for the effort, both are essentially one and the same.

The inspiration for the MG Icon comes from their old design books, particularly the MGA and the MGB GT. Especially at the rear where the Icon’s rear structural lamps take position on top of the haunched wings. Inside, the Icon sports a four ‘shell’ seat layout, in which the rear seats can fold flat to the floor like every respectable SUV can.

Williams-Kenny said that the MG Icon highlights the car company’s global vision and is a milestone for the brand, particularly this year when MG is celebrating their 50 years in existence. No news whether MG will put the Icon into production.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Great Wall C20 EV – an electric compact crossover

Anthony Lim — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:15:29 +0000

Sharing centre stage with the Haval E in Beijing is the C20 EV, which is an electric version of the company’s C20R compact crossover.

The five-seater EV runs with a permanent magnet synchronous motor offering a rated power of 42 hp (32 kW) and peak power of 80 hp (60 kW), with nominal torque being 88 Nm and at peak, 180 Nm.

The 19.2 kWh-rated lithium-ion battery on this one is good enough to give the car a range of more than 100 km on a NEDC cycle run, and around 160 km at a constant 60 km/h pace. Charge time to capacity is eight hours, via a household power outlet.

No definite numbers shouted, performance-wise, but GWM says the maximum speed is better than 130 km/h and the 0-100 km/h time is less than 15 seconds. There’s also mention of a five-year or 100,000 km warranty with this one – guess that should cover the battery as well.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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BMW’s i8 Concept blows the top off at Auto China 2012

Jonathan James Tan — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:50 +0000

Making its first global appearance in Beijing is the BMW i8 Spyder Concept, which is an open top variant of the i8 plug-in hybrid that first debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

It is the third variation of the i8 to be launched so far, but the first to feature the eDrive emblem on the rear. It will be a badge that all future BMW i models with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and motor management system will proudly carry.

The i8 Spyder’s hybrid powertrain remains unchanged from its coupe sister’s – an electric motor powers the front wheels while a 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine powers the rear wheels. Total output is 350 hp and top speed is limited at 250 km/h.

It is, however, slightly shorter both in wheelbase and overall length than the coupe. Also, due to its roll-over hoops and solid metal doors, the i8 Spyder is 100 kg heavier than the coupe, and therefore takes five seconds to sprint to 100 km/h, compared to the coupe’s 4.6. Not so significant then, as shortcomings go.

A long and flat 7.2 kWh lithium-ion battery along the bottom length of the car gives it a front/rear weight distribution of nearly 50:50, as well as a range of 35 km on electric power alone. A full charge takes two hours.

BMW says it plans to have the i8 in production by 2014.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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Great Wall Haval E SUV debuts, scissor doors and all

Anthony Lim — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:19:18 +0000

Greetings from Beijing, where Auto China 2012 kicked off yesterday, with more than can be chewed in terms of displays. My first stop was at the Great Wall Motors stand, where the Haval E hybrid SUV made its debut.

The company proudly says the concept vehicle has been researched and developed independently by it, and as such is very much a showcase of its capabilities and expertise. It’s striking, for sure, with scissor doors being the leading visual design element.

It wears a 242 hp and 490 Nm BSG light-duty hybrid system, which is made up of an electric drive motor offering 94 hp and 270 Nm, partnered with a GW4813 1.3 litre engine, which puts out 148 hp and 220 Nm, the latter mated to a 6DCT transmission.

The 4,390 mm-long vehicle has a kerb weight of 1,600 kg, and performance specs include a 8.0 seconds time for the 0-100 km/h sprint and a 190 km/h maximum top speed.

In pure EV mode the max achievable speed drops to 130 km/h, as does the sprint time, to 10.7 seconds from 0-80 km/h. The Haval E does however manage an operating range of 80 km range running purely in electric mode.

The features list includes a panoramic sunroof as well as an interior kitted out with a multi-functional electroluminescent display matched to a human-machine interface.

The blue theme is played up on – aside from it being found in the instrument and display lighting in the cabin, the headlamps and front grille display a lighter tinge, almost lavender-like even. Oh, but no mistaking that found on the wheels!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 27 May 12 15:36:47 +0000.

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