LM Star Autoworld will be manufacturing a Chinese brand called Dadi here in Malaysia. There will be three models distributed here in Malaysia. Two SUVs which are the Dadi Shuttle and Dadi Tourer, and a pick-up truck called the Dadi Trekker.
Baoding Dadi is based in Dingxing, Hebei and used to be a military automobile maker before manufacturing civilian vehicles in 1988.
The plant based in Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi will have an output of 60,000 units a year, but only 28,480 vehicles will be produced in the first year. 10,000 units will be for the Malaysian market while the remaining is for export.
The plant will begin operations in January 2007 and we should be able to purchase the Shuttle, Tourer and Trekker soon after.
From the looks of the shot above from Dadi Auto’s website, the front of the Dadi Shuttle SUV looks alot like Toyota’s Landcruiser Prado, and the side reminds me of the Honda CR-V. The headlamps also remind me of the Isuzu D-MAX. This similiarity to the D-MAX is more evident on the pick-up truck model which has a different grille more similiar to the D-MAX’s.
Specifications are available here and here. The 2.8 litre diesel variant of the Dadi Shuttle uses an Isuzu engine making 57kW at 3600rpm and 174Nm of torque at 2000rpm. The specs sounds like the engine isn’t a turbodiesel but just a direct injection diesel. Top speed is rated at 120km/h. -_-”
Update: A blog reader “Dadi Supporter” has said the Malaysian version will be using Mitsubishi 2.4 litre engines. If it was an inline 4 this should be the 4G64 or 4G69 engine. It’s nothing fancy, just a SOHC 16 valve engine which makes about 147hp and 214Nm of torque. This 4G64 engine has been replaced by the 4G69 which is a 4G64 with MIVEC and some other design improvements.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
AI-generated Summary ✨
The comments reveal strong opinions on the Dadi SUV and Chinese cars in Malaysia, focusing on design, quality, safety, and originality. Many criticize Dadi and other Chinese brands for copying models like Toyota Prado and Honda CRV, describing their quality as poor and designs as unoriginal. There is skepticism about safety standards and safety tests, with fears of low structural integrity and non-compliance. Some express pride in local brands like Proton, criticizing Chinese copying and overpricing. Discussions also include concerns about Chinese products flooding the market, safety risks, and the impact on local industry. Despite negative opinions, some acknowledge Chinese manufacturers' persistence and low costs, while many urge Malaysians to prioritize safety and quality over price. Overall, sentiments are predominantly critical but also patriotic about Malaysian automotive efforts.