2008 Detroit Show Chinese Exhibitors Announced

Back in August, we informed you that five Chinese car manufactures would attend the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit (Jan. 13-27, 2008) without knowing however, the names of the carmakers. Today, NAIAS officials decided to spill the beans by releasing the names of the Chinese exhibitors –don’t wet your pants ok: Changfeng Motor Group, BYD Auto Co., Geely International Corporation, China America Cooperative Automotive, Inc./ZXNA (Chamco) and Li Shi Guang Ming Auto Design Co. While Changfeng and Geely have shown their merchandise in previous Detroit Show, BYD., Chamco and Li Shi Guang Ming will be making their first ever appearance.

"We are very excited to welcome these Chinese companies to Detroit," said Carl Galeana, NAIAS 2008 senior co-chairman. "With so much interest surrounding their products, we expect the thousands of industry executives and international media who attend our show will be eager to learn more about these companies first hand”, added Galeana.

Chevrolet Aveo Nipple-Sucking Contest In China!

Wow; who’d ever believe that Chevy’s are so popular in China! Well, either that or something’s definitely wrong with the 120 people that took part in a Chinese Mall’s kissing endurance competition in Beijing. In a nutshell, the participants had to put their lips on the silica gel nipples attached to a Chevrolet Lova (Aveo) without touching it with any other part of their bodies (...). The winner would receive a brand-new Chevy Aveo as a prize. The 120 contestants who took part had to do this for 24-hours taking a mere two 10-minute breaks in the course. -Continued after the jump

After 24 hours, only six contestants were standing or rather sitting, so to speed things up, the coordinators of the event made them suck the Aveo’s nipple add-ons standing on one foot. 27 hours and 40 minutes after the competition had began, real estate saleswoman Zhang Chunying was the only one left sucking the nipples –I’m just dying to make a remark, but I’ll restrain myself… Chunying was so exhausted by her one-night stand with the Aveo that she had to be carried away –sounds like the Aveo and I have a lot in common when it comes to chicks...

Pics: Sky News

MG Launches Rover 75 Based 7 Series In China

The former British built MG-ZT (sporty version of the BMW Groupe developed, Rover 75) has been officially launched in China as the MG 7 Series or, just MG7 for short. The models introduced to the Chinese market include three 160Hp 1.8-litre Turbo variants of the MG 7, and a flagship version, the MG7L which is equipped with a 2.5-litre V6 240 Hp powerplant. If you’re wondering what the “L” stands for, the MG7L is 200 mm longer than the standard MG7. Nanjing MG, who acquired the rights to build the car, said that in China, prices for the MG7 range from £12,600 to £22,260 ($25,500 to 45,700 or €18,000 to 32,400). -Continued after the jump

Commenting on the introduction of the MG 7, Nanjing MG’s sales director Yang Junhu said: “We are bringing British automotive culture to our country. Until now no other car from a British marque has been manufactured and sold in China. Today customers are becoming more demanding in terms of their requirements which we will be able to satisfy thanks to the different variants of the MG7.”

Ford Inaugurates New China Plant – May Export Mazda2 & Fiesta

Ford’s China joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA), launched operations at its new US$510 million manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China where it will produce the new Mazda2 and its European sibling, the Ford Fiesta (production version of the Verve concept), scheduled to begin production in the second half of 2008. The plant’s initial capacity is 160,000 vehicles per year, boosting Ford's total annual passenger car capacity in China to more than 410,000 vehicles. -Continued after the jump

During the ceremony in Nanjing, Ford’s CEO, Alan Mulally, told Automotive News that Ford might even export cars from the plant. "Export is a possibility. It's all about competitiveness. We will use our research and engineering and manufacturing in China for worldwide operations. The real competitors going forward will be the ones who leverage their assets around the world," said Mulally. “I can imagine making the Verve in China is a possibility."

Hyundai To Introduce Genesis In China In 2008

Hyundai announced today that the forthcoming luxury sedan Genesis will be introduced in the Chinese market in 2008. Hyundai’s spokesman Jake Jang told Automotive News that the Korean company aims to sell about 3,000 units of the Genesis (codenamed BH) in China in 2008. While that number is significantly lower than the 20,000 units that Hyundai expects to sell in the States next year, the Chinese luxury car market will definitely grow over the next few years and the Koreans want a part of it. Though prices haven’t been set yet, the Chinese media has reported that the Genesis would cost about 400,000 yuan or $53,180. (photo: Hyundai Genesis Concept)

Via: Automotive News

Frankfurt Review: Chinese Brilliance BS3 Coupe

Despite the recent catastrophic crash-test results of the BS6 from ADAC, Brilliance made its appereance at the Frankfurt Show. The Chinese carmaker had a nice stand in Hall 8.0 were it exhibited its full European vehicle line-up. The most interesting model and the one that grasped most visitors' attention was the compact coupe, BS3. The 4.48-meter long coupe is equipped with a 170 Hp, 1.8-litre turbo engine that allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.7 seconds; the top speed is 210 km/h or 130 mph.

If you're asking for our opinion, the first thing that popped up in our head was that we were looking at the Chinese alternative to the Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon). It doesn't look that bad but it certainly doesn't look great either. What really disappointed us though were the low-grade plastics and the mediocre quality of the cabin. Unless it drives like a Ford Focus and costs as much as Dacia, don't expect to be seeing a lot of these in Europe when it goes on sale next year. -Press release and high-res images after the jump

Press Release

BC3: The trendy city coupe

Brilliance JinBei is adding a sporty coupe to its model line-up with the BC3 show car. The 4.48 meter long, 1.81 meter wide, and 1.39 meter high powerhouse stands low and wide on its 18-inch alloy wheels. A 125 kW (170 HP), 1.8 litre turbo gasoline engine propels it from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds; the top speed is 210 km/h. This engine, which was entirely developed in-house, is also used in the BS4 compact sedan. The BC3 comes with a choice of a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The precisely-tuned chassis of the two-door coupe meets the needs of sporty drivers.

Metallic paint, power steering, and alloy wheels are standard equipment in the BC3, along with automatic climate control, leather interior, parking assist, backup radar, power sunroof, power windows, and a CD sound station with high-quality speakers. The driver's seat provides good sideways support and is adjustable six ways. In the cockpit, chromed instruments provide the driver with essential information.

The coupe is equipped with numerous safety systems. It comes with front and side airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, ABS, electronic brake boosters, an electronic differential lock, and disc brakes.

The powerful, dynamic design of the BC3 was independently developed by Brilliance: The front view is defined by the extended hood and the clear glass headlights which extend far to the sides. The vehicle appears even wider and lower due to its deep front spoiler. The side view is also typical for a coupe. It underscores the distinctive character and is dominated by a long wheelbase, the passenger compartment which is set far to the rear with strongly angled A-columns, low windows, and the roof line which gently slopes to the rear. The design of the two-door coupe is rounded out by taillights that wrap far around the corners and give it a dynamic-sporty appearance from the rear.

Flybo EV: Chinese Electric Smart Fortwo Clone Arrives In The U.S.

Knock (off), knock (off) – who’s there? It’s one of the -God knows how many, Chinese clones of the Smart Fortwo. So what else is new? Well, this Chinese carbon-copy has landed on the U.S. shores with sales kicking off within the next few weeks. For the time being the electric powered Flybo 6000ZK will be sold exclusively by the Great Lakes Auto Sales in Saginaw, Michigan with prices starting at $9,500. The Saginaw dealership was supposed to start sales of the Chinese made mini EV this summer but licensing negotiations with the distributor of the car Wuzheng North America, held up its arrival. –Continued after the jump

The 6000ZK is a two-seater EV that’s powered by a 72V 6500W electric motor. According to Flybo, the 6000ZK can achieve a top speed of… 25 mph (40 km/h) and it runs for about 70 miles (112 km) before its batteries drop dead. When that happens you simply plug it into any ordinary household electric outlet for about 8 hours to recharge the batteries. Can’t wait to hear what Mercedes-Benz / Smart has to say about this.

Via: Treehugger , Source: Saginaw News

2008 NAIAS To Host Five Chinese Car Makers

Chinese car makers are slowly, but steadily starting to come out of the safety of their home-shell, planning visits to several major car shows around the world. Now it looks like they're aiming towards the American market as according to Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association that stages the annual show, five Chinese automakers will exhibit cars and trucks at the 2008 NAIAS in January. Unfortunately, Alberts didn’t disclose the names of the automakers, but he did add that all of them are contractually committed. Up until now, only two Chinese car manufactures (Geely in 2006 and Changfeng this year) have ever exhibited their goodies at the Detroit show.

Via: freep

BMW Mini-MPV... Made In China

Though some malevolent folks might support that this mini-MPV that borrows a few too many design elements from a certain Bavarian car manufacture that’s located in Munich, could actually be imported into Europe as the 0-Series, we seriously doubt that will happen. However, since we ignited your imagination, the MicroVan is manufactured in China by Yuan and it’s based on a previous Suzuki model. Yuan offers the MicroVan in several versions including a mini pick-up truck that's called 650Ci -we're just kidding, about the name that is... -Continued after the jump

Via: Le Blog Auto , Link: Yuan

GM Becomes First Carmaker To Offer Interest-Free Loans In China

Everybody loves 0% financing and we’re sure that Chinese car buyers will have a positive attitude towards GM’s plans to offer interest-free loans with a 40 percent down payment for the Buick Excelle or Buick Regal sedans. Interestingly, it’s the first time that a carmaker offers interest-free loan in the Chinese market.

As you might of guessed, GM aint doing this cause they suddenly fell in love with Chinese car buyers. Shanghai General Motors Co., GM's venture with Shanghai Automotive Co proceeded to this move in order push sales as the company slipped from first place last year to third place in the first half of 2007 trailing FAW Volkswagen Automotive Co. and Shanghai Volkswagen Co. according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Via: bloomberg

Zhonghua Brilliance M3 Coupe 1.8T 170Hp

Remember the Zhonghua Brilliance M3 Coupe, a pre-production version of which was previewed at the Geneva Show earlier this year? Well, the M3 Coupe, known in Europe as the BC3 for obvious reasons, was fully revealed at the Changchun car fair in China. Equipped with a Mitsubishi derived, 1.8-liter turbo engine delivering 170 Hp, M3 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 10,0 sec and it reaches a maximum speed of 210 km/h (131mph). Prices in China start off from €16.000 - $22.000 but expect the BC3 to cost a tad more when sales start in Europe next year -that is if ADAC stays put avoiding any embarrassing crash tests… -More pics after the jump

Via: Motorpasion , Pics: Autohome

Chinese Toyota RAV4 & BMW X5 Clones Coming To Frankfurt

“Frankfurtians” beware, here come the attack of the clones leaded by CEO and UFO RV… Just to clarify, these are not fictional but the actual names of the two Chinese SUV’s. According to German magazine Automobile Industrie, both cars will be shown by Munich-based China Automobile Deutschland at the Frankfurt Show in September.

We’ve previewed both models in the past but to refresh your memory, the Shuanghuan CEO (or SCEO) borrows several styling elements from the BMW X5 and Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs while the Zhejiang Jonway UFO RV which made its first Euro appearance at last year’s Bolonga Show as the DR, kinda reminds us of the previous generation Toyota RAV4, we’re not exactly sure why, but it does… Oh, don’t you lust to be a fly in the air when Toyota execs take a look at the UFO in Frankfurt? -Continued after the jump

The magazine reports that both SUV’s will go on sale in Germany this October. Notably, the SCEO or CEO, is already available in Italy with France, Holland and Belgium following shortly as distributors have already been appointed. Additionally, Automobile Industrie notes that China Automobile Deutschland will also preview an ultra-low priced Chinese mini hatch that will sell in Germany for less than €7.000 or $10.000. ADAC, ADAC are you listening...

UFO

SCEO - CEO

Via: Automobile Industrie

Honda To Create New Brand In China - First Model To Be Introduced In 2010

Honda’s manufacturing joint venture in southern China, Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co, officially announced its plans to develop a car that will be marketed under an all-new brand. This is the first time that a foreign car venture will develop and market a product under a separate brand in China.

To accomplish this, Guangzhou Honda, the Japanese car maker's tie-up with state-run Guangzhou Automobile Group announced the establishment of a wholly-owned Research & Development (R&D) subsidiary in China at the Guangdong Province. Honda’s Chinese joint venture will invest approximately 2 billion R.M.B. (about $265 million or €192 million or 30 billion yen), to build the automobile R&D facility accompanied by a full-scale high-speed test course. The newly formed brand will present its first product in the Chinese market in 2010. -Follow the jump for the press release

Press Release: Guangzhou Honda to Build a new Automobile R&D Center

GUANGZHOU, China, July 18, 2007 – Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. (GHAC), Honda’s automobile production and sales joint venture in China, announced the establishment of a wholly-owned R&D subsidiary in China. With an investment of approximately 2 billion R.M.B. (approximately 30 billion yen*), the new Honda subsidiary, Guangzhou Honda Automobile Research & Development Co., Ltd., will build an automobile R&D facility accompanied by a full-scale high-speed test course. The company will develop a new automobile product which will be marketed under an original brand of Guangzhou Honda targeting the start of sales in 2010. * Calculated based on the exchange rate of 1 R.M.B.= 15 yen

This new vehicle, which will be a unique product that incorporates various needs specific to the Chinese market, will be developed primarily by the R&D subsidiary of Guangzhou Honda while receiving support from Honda R&D Co.,Ltd. To market this vehicle, Guangzhou Honda plans to use an original Guangzhou Honda brand, which will be differentiated from the Honda brand. This will be the first time a joint venture company of a foreign automaker will develop and market a product under an original brand of the joint venture company in China.

Since the start of production in 1999, Guangzhou Honda has been steadily establishing a business foundation in China through various efforts including: expanding production capacity consistent with increasing sales, increasing local content, and strengthening of the dealer network. The establishment of an R&D center in China represents the company’s commitment to achieve greater autonomy in the area of R&D, in addition to production and sales, to position the company for further growth in the future as a joint venture company deeply rooted in the local market.

Honda has been at the forefront of other companies in introducing new concepts to the automobile industry in China, which began full-fledged growth in the late 1990s. These achievements include: local production of the latest model Accord in China with Guangzhou Honda, establishment of China’s first dedicated automobile dealer network which integrates sales, service, service parts supply and customer service, and China’s first full-scale export to Europe of passenger vehicles produced at the Honda Automobile (China) Co., Ltd plant, which is dedicated exclusively to exports. Now, Honda again takes on a new challenge of developing a new product under an original brand of a joint venture company in China.

About Guangzhou Honda Automobile Research & Development Co., Ltd.

• Established: April 2007
• Capital Investment: 180 million R.M.B. (approximately 2.7million yen)
• Capitalization Ratio:100% Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.
• Initial Investment: Approximately 2 billion R.M.B. (approximately 30 billion yen)
• Representative: Shoujie FU, Chairman
  Toshinobu HATA, President
• Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
• Lot Size: Approximately 6 million m²
• Facilities: Automobile R&D facility and test course

China: Cars Sales And Production Rise +20% In First Half Of 2007

According to the data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), car sales and production both grew more than 20% in the first half of the year. In particular, vehicle production reached 4.46 million units, up by 22.36 percent compared to the same period last year while sales rose 23.31 percent to 4.37 million. Local analysts believe that the trend will continue throughout the year with both sales and production topping a record 8.5 million vehicles by the end of 2007.

China became the world’s second-largest automobile market in 2006 when sales reached 7.28 million units surpassing the then No2, Japan. Industry experts believe that sales of passenger vehicles in China will maintain this kind of high-speed growth (15 to 20 percent) for at least 10 years meaning that it won’t take long for China to become No1. God save the earth…

Via: CAAM

Mayor in Chinese City Urges people to stop buying cars!

Τhat’s a new one. Xu Zongheng, mayor of Shenzhen, a metropolis of 10 million people just north of Hong Kong, has issued a request that residents in the city refrain from buying any more cars.The plea was issued as a result of the increasing traffic and pollution problems in this already congested city.

As a result of the 70% percent of air pollution that car exhaust fumes are accounted for, China is feeling pressured to create certain obstacles to deter people from purchasing vehicles such as increasing fuel costs and creating congestion charges. In Shanghai, new car owners were required to separately purchase license plates, which have recently sold for almost 48,000 yuan ($6300). With all these cars and all these people, aside from the pollution issue, I can’t help but wonder where do all these people park?

Posted by Dani

Via: theaustralian

Infiniti Opens Its First Dealership In China

BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lexus and now Infiniti. Don’t you just love modern day communism? Right… Nevertheless, China’s considered the land of opportunity for any car maker (or any “maker” for that matter) so it was only logical that Infiniti would rush into one of the world’s most prominent markets.

Infiniti’s first authorized dealer, dubbed “Shanghai Yongda Infiniti” started its sales in China from July 1st. The first models available in the Chinese market are the G35 sedan and FX35/45 SUV. G35 Base is priced at RMB448,000 ($59.000 or €43.000), G35 Premium at RMB478,000 ($63.000 or €46.200), while FX35 Base is priced at RMB638,000 ($84.000 or €61.600) and FX35 Top at RBM678,000 ($89.200 or €65.500) and FX45 Top at RMB808,000 ($106.300 or €78.000). -Continued after the jump

During the grand opening of the Shanghai dealership, Nissan Motors Corporate Vice President, Yasuaki Hashimoto said, “The China business is crucial for Infiniti’s global expansion and the smooth implementation of Nissan Value-Up”

“Infiniti has been well received in the marketplace thanks to its vibrant design, exhilarating performance, modern luxury experience and premium quality, as well as its Total Ownership Experience customer care philosophy,” said Yasuaki Hashimoto. “Infiniti’s worldwide customers are innovative, ambitious and successful people. We are also expecting many of the same kind of customers in China. Cumulative Infiniti global sales have so far topped 1,100,000 units. Today, we are so excited to see that Infiniti has taken a major step forward in China. We hope that Infiniti can achieve great success in this market."

Shuanghuan Sceo: Chinese BMW X5 Copy-Cat Coming To Europe!

They just won’t let it go, will they? What if every Chinese car tested by Germany’s ADAC has miserably failed at the crash tests; who cares! Just keep bringing them in and at some point we’ll accept them. Following the Landwind SUV and the Brilliance BS6 Sedan, next up from China is the Shuanghuan Sceo SUV that will be distributed by a new French car dealer named “AZ Motors”. The latter announced that it has been appointed as distributor of the Chinese 4x4 in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

However, with the Sceo, safety isn’t the only thing Europeans should be worried about as you don’t need the imagination of J.K. Rowling to see that Shuanghuan’s SUV is inspired from the previous generation BMW X5 with a touch of Toyota Land Cruiser up front. We might find it hilarious, but we’re sure as hell that BMW execs aren’t finding this at all funny… -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Edmunds