Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Chery and Fiat put alliance talks on hold]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/chery-and-fiat-put-alliance-talks-on-hold/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/chery-and-fiat-put-alliance-talks-on-hold/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/chery-and-fiat-put-alliance-talks-on-hold/#comments Filed under: ,



The global economic recession has officially slowed Fiat's Big Love-style partnerships, as the Italian automaker's deal with Chery to produce models for the Chinese market has been put on hold. In August 2007, the two companies agreed on a 50/50 joint venture to produce 175,000 vehicles per year beginning in 2009. Chery spokesman Jin Yibo said that vehicle production "won't happen this year" and no date has been given for Fiat and Chery to begin building vehicles for China.

While global auto sales have taken a huge hit, the Chinese market has proven more resilient. The land of the Great Wall actually sold more cars and trucks in January and February than the United States. Given the upbeat car market in China, delaying the joint venture may sound a little strange. Fiat could be delaying the partnership to concentrate on its potential partnership with Chrysler, which would bring the Italian Automaker back into the (usually) lucrative US market.

[Source: Wall St. Journal]

Chery and Fiat put alliance talks on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cherychinafiatjoint ventureJointVenture Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Chinese government approves of Chery's bid to purchase Volvo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/report-chinese-government-approves-of-cherys-bid-to-purchase-v/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/report-chinese-government-approves-of-cherys-bid-to-purchase-v/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/report-chinese-government-approves-of-cherys-bid-to-purchase-v/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

If, like us, you've been following the Volvo saga pretty closely, you'll remember that several Chinese companies are considered to be among the top bidders for the Swedish automaker when Ford officially opens the bidding. Although Geely has said they aren't interested, that didn't rule out other Chinese outfits.

Well, today we have word via Chinese news reports that Chery, for one, has been given the greenlight to enter the Volvo lottery by the Chinese government. Other interested parties are rumored to be Dongfeng Motor Group and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co, along with a "European constellation," whatever that means.

Ford is looking to recoup the bulk of its initial $6.45 billion investment when it sells Volvo, so that might put it out of Chery's league. But who knows? Chery Auto just got a 10 billion yuan ($1.47 billion) loan to help it grow globally and was also given a line of credit by the bank, so only time will tell.

[Source: Gasgoo]

REPORT: Chinese government approves of Chery's bid to purchase Volvo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cheryChery VolvoCheryVolvovolvo salevolvo sale chinavolvo sale chineseVolvoSaleVolvoSaleChinaVolvoSaleChinese Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Chery A6 Coupe spotted near Lotus Headquarters]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/spy-shots-chery-a6-coupe-spotted-near-lotus-headquarters/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/spy-shots-chery-a6-coupe-spotted-near-lotus-headquarters/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/spy-shots-chery-a6-coupe-spotted-near-lotus-headquarters/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Chery, the Chinese automaker with a sweet-sounding name, is serious about entering the European market as quickly as possible.

Proof of such can be seen in the A6 Coupe (we're sure Audi's lawyers are keeping tabs on this one too), which has recently been spotted testing near Lotus' corporate headquarters in Norfolk, England. Might the Chinese upstart be getting some much needed know-how from the British brand that's known for its excellent chassis tuning? Seems likely.

Chery also received help on the A6's styling from none other than classic Italian styling house Bertone, and it's a pretty good looker in its two-door hatchback configuration. Future versions are said to include a sedan, a two-door shooting brake-style wagon and possibly a hardtop convertible. Power will come from either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder or a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V6, both of which have reportedly been certified for sale in the U.K.

[Source: AutoCar]

Spy Shots: Chery A6 Coupe spotted near Lotus Headquarters originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cherychery a6chery a6 hatchbackCheryA6CheryA6Hatchbackeuropean cheryEuropeanChery Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Chery to launch S16 "mini sedan"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/chery-to-launch-s16-mini-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/chery-to-launch-s16-mini-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/chery-to-launch-s16-mini-sedan/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The Chery S16 is called a sedan even though it only has two doors, a hatchback, what appears to be zero rear headroom, and is about 22 inches shorter than a Chevy Aveo. From the front, the styling conjures words like "bizarre" and "Picasso" and "flounder," but -- and perhaps it is the hour -- we find it kinda cute. At the rear, things get confused with a host of grafted designs that don't blend so well together.

Regardless of whether it's a sedan or what you think of its looks, Chery plans to release it by May of this year. What the company needs now is a name, and is appealing to the Chinese public to provide it with one. We don't understand why Chery is still in the hunt -- the car came with the perfect name when it was launched at the 2005 Shanghai Auto Show: Chery Wow. Indeed.

[Source: Gasgoo]

Chery to launch S16 "mini sedan" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cherychery qqchery qq5chery s16chery wowCheryQqCheryQq5CheryS16CheryWowchinahatchbacksedanshanghai auto showShanghaiAutoShow Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Chery Tiggo5 takes aim at X5, Touareg]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/spy-shots-chery-tiggo5-takes-aim-at-x5-touareg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/spy-shots-chery-tiggo5-takes-aim-at-x5-touareg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/spy-shots-chery-tiggo5-takes-aim-at-x5-touareg/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Chery's supposed lack of money hasn't stopped it from going ahead with its multi-model Tiggo SUV rollout. The Tiggo3 -- which looks much like a RAV4 -- has done well for Chery, so now it's preparing the Tiggo5 and Tiggo6.

The Tiggo5 is expected to do battle with the VW Touareg and BMW X5 (and by extension, the Shuanghuan CEO). With rugged yet basic styling penned by Bertone, the Tiggo5 will be powered by Mitsubishi engines including the 3.0-liter V6 and 2.0-liter turbo.

[Source: China Car Times]

Spy Shots: Chery Tiggo5 takes aim at X5, Touareg originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cherychery tiggochery tiggo5CheryTiggoCheryTiggo5chinaspy shotsSpyShotssuvtiggotiggo5 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:34:00 EST <![CDATA[GM releases turbo upgrade kit for Solstice GXP, Sky Redline and HHR SS]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/gm-releases-turbo-upgrade-kit-for-solstice-gxp-sky-redline-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/gm-releases-turbo-upgrade-kit-for-solstice-gxp-sky-redline-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/gm-releases-turbo-upgrade-kit-for-solstice-gxp-sky-redline-and/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Chevy HHR SS

The Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky Redline, and Chevrolet HHR SS are plenty of fun with 260 horsepower underfoot, and we can only imagine that the joy quotient increases as power improves. General Motors' performance division knows as much, and it's now offering an LNF Turbo Upgrade kit to kick its 2.0L turbo direct injection engine into gear. The kit consists of a new engine calibration and MAP sensors that will push your turbo four to 290 horsepower and up to 340 lb-ft of torque with the six-speed manual transmission (315 - 325 lb-ft with a slush box). The new factory turbo kit also keeps the precious warranty intact, which is a huge bonus over other aftermarket setups.

The LNF Turbo Upgrade also gives the GXP, Redline and SS the same "no-lift shift" functionality as the Cobalt SS Turbo, which enables you to shift without taking your foot off the accelerator. The kit also bumps the redline by 200 to 6500, but the hulkified 2.0L engine will now demand premium fuel to deliver its increased power delivery. The General is also working on a similar upgrade kit for the Cobalt SS, and it should arrive at your local Chevy dealer during Q1 2009. The LNF turbo kit delivers some added pop to three already fun vehicles, and it can be purchased at a GM dealer for $650. Is it worth the extra coin? It's up to you, but we're guessing it couldn't hurt. You can check out assembly instructions for the LNF Turbo Upgrade kit here.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Chevy HHR SS


[Source: GM Blogs]

GM releases turbo upgrade kit for Solstice GXP, Sky Redline and HHR SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> HHR SSHhrSsSky RedlineSkyRedlineSolstice GXPSolsticeGxpturbo kitturbo upgradeTurboKitTurboUpgrade Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Chrysler and Chery quit talking about small car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/chrysler-and-chery-quit-talking-about-small-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/chrysler-and-chery-quit-talking-about-small-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/chrysler-and-chery-quit-talking-about-small-car/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Well, crap. For all of us who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Chinese-built Dodge Demon or the Chinese-built Dodge Hornet or the Chrysler-badged, Chinese-built Chery A1, fugetaboutit. It's officially not happening.

Mike Manley, Chrysler's executive vice president of international sales and marketing, tells The Detroit News that talks between the two companies have officially ended. Manley cites economic troubles in both the U.S. and China as the main reason the two have decided to go their separate ways. While Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli is in D.C. begging for government money, Chery has its own problems in China.

Then again, who knows what might happen after the whole bailout saga has ended? With a cash infusion, Chrysler could restart its partnership with Chery. Or, denied a government loan, Chrysler could find itself bought by the Chinese company.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Chrysler and Chery quit talking about small car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cherychery a1CheryA1demondodge demondodge hornetDodgeDemonDodgeHornethornet Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Chrysler's deal with Chery on hold]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/chryslers-deal-with-chery-on-hold/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/chryslers-deal-with-chery-on-hold/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/17/chryslers-deal-with-chery-on-hold/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

It may be time to stop holding your breath. The planned deal between Chrysler LLC and the Chery Automobile Company to bring a Chrysler-badged Chery to our shores seems to be completely over... no, really this time. While there was nothing inherently wrong with the concept of importing the small fuel-efficient cars to North America (even if there were near insurmountable obstacles to overcome in the area of safety and emission standards), both companies have been crushed by the economy. According to a former Chery executive, "I wouldn't place much hope on it... both companies have their own problems to deal with, and both have run out of money." As neither company ever offered a public timetable for the arrival of the cars after the initial announcement early last year, the news is unlikely to come as a surprise.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler's deal with Chery on hold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Cherychery autochery automobileschery automotivechery automotive groupCheryAutoCheryAutomobilesCheryAutomotiveCheryAutomotiveGroupChinaChrysler LLCChryslerLlcCooperationDealSmall carsSmallCars Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:33:00 EST <![CDATA[Chery to begin production of budget hybrid this year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/chery-to-begin-production-of-budget-hybrid-this-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/chery-to-begin-production-of-budget-hybrid-this-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/chery-to-begin-production-of-budget-hybrid-this-year/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As it currently stands, gas in China costs about half what it does in most other countries, and the government spends billions to keep it that way. This being the case, expensive hybrids like the Toyota Prius don't sell in very large numbers. Still, there are a number of analysts who predict that gas will go up in China and that cheaper hybrids could begin to get a foot-hold in the Chinese market. To test the hybrid waters, Chery has introduced its home market to a new inexpensive mild hybrid built off its own A5 platform. Like some of the hybrids from General Motors, the A5 adds a belt-driven starter/generator that runs on just 12 volts and allows for stop/start functionality for its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Chery tested the vehicle during the Olympic games and is apparently now ready to begin selling its first hybrid to retail customers in China at about a third of the cost of the Prius. With pricing like that, the expected 10-15-percent gain in fuel efficiency could provide plenty of incentive to choose a hybrid.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chery to begin production of budget hybrid this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cherychery a5chery a5 bsgchery a5 hybridchery hybridchery mild hybridCheryA5CheryA5BsgCheryA5HybridCheryHybridCheryMildHybridchina hybridChinaHybridchinese hybridChineseHybrid Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:02:00 EST <![CDATA[Happy (Chery) Eastar!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/happy-chery-eastar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/happy-chery-eastar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/happy-chery-eastar/#comments Filed under: , ,


Click above for Chery Eastar convertible gallery

In case you were jonesing for a dose of weirdness from the Chinese auto industry today, Chery has complied. Behold the Chery Eastar convertible. China Car Times' headline asks, "The thinking man's Bentley?" Perhaps, if said man is doing his thinking after hitting the all-you-can-eat peyote buffet. Note the deftly-removed B-pillar and beautifully integrated extension between the front and rear doors, complete with a gap in the weatherstripping along the sills. Listen, we have no idea if this is some one-off novelty or something that's actually being considered. What we do know is that a Saabish-bodied 4-door luxo-vert with a Lexus-y nose and Mitsubishi Mirage rear end is exactly the kind of thing that makes following the Chinese auto industry so entertaining.

Gallery: Chery Eastar convertible


[Source: China Car Times]

Happy (Chery) Eastar! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 4-door convertible4-doorConvertiblecery-eastarcheryeastarsoft topSoftTop Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #102]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/autoblog-podcast-102/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/autoblog-podcast-102/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/autoblog-podcast-102/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,



It's late, we know, but we're not a host short like last week! Chris, Sam, and Dan kick it about what's in the Autoblog Garage, the 2010 Camaro unveiling and other stuff that the Camaro overshadowed. What could possibly hold a candle to the Camaro officially rolling into that garage bay? Not much, but we touched on Honda's Prius clone fighter, as well as Malcolm Bricklin's legal action against Chery Motors after the breakup, but really, we spent a lot of time kicking the Camaro ball around, as it did happen to be the most excitement you could find without going racing. Hit us up at podcast at autoblog dot com with any questions/comments/suggestions, and thanks for listening!

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
DOWNLOAD the show now

Autoblog Podcast #102 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 102AutoblogPodcastAutoblogPodcast102camaro unveilingCamaroUnveilingchevrolet camaroChevroletCamarochevy camaroChevyCamarohonda hybridhonda priushonda prius fighterHondaHybridHondaPriusHondaPriusFighterpodcastpodcast 102Podcast102 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:39:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #102Dan Roth51:28autoblog podcast, chevy camaro, chevrolet camaro, camaro, camaro unveiling, hybrid, honda hybrid, honda prius fighter, malcolm bricklin, bricklin chery, <![CDATA[Malcolm Bricklin filing a multi-billion RICO lawsuit against Chery Motors]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/malcolm-bricklin-filing-a-multi-billion-rico-lawsuit-against-che/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/malcolm-bricklin-filing-a-multi-billion-rico-lawsuit-against-che/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/malcolm-bricklin-filing-a-multi-billion-rico-lawsuit-against-che/#comments Filed under: , ,

Back in 2004 serial automotive entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin announced plans to collaborate with "rogue" Chinese automaker Chery Motors to bring new cars to the US market. Chery is referred to as "rogue" because the company never actually got permission from the Chinese government to get into the car business. Needless to say, the deal eventually fell apart when Chery decided to hook up first with Israel Corp and Quantum LLC for a different joint venture which has also yet to come to fruition.

Bricklin's company, Visionary Vehicles, which is now know as V Cars LLC, has now filed a lawsuit against Chery, Israel Corp, and Quantum LLC, et al. The suit is being filed under RICO statutes, typically used to go after mobsters, and V Cars is hoping to pursue Chery for the potential profits the company feels it could have made over the course of the deal. How much? $14 billion.

V Cars claims they provided Chery with business plans and ideas (along with $26 million in up front investments) which they then used for their own business after abandoning the deal. During a conference call today, Bricklin explained that he wants to show Chery and other Chinese companies that if they are going to do business with western companies they need to deal ethically and follow the rules. V Cars is also seeking injunctions to prevent Chery from selling any vehicles based on these plans in North America. The complete text of the suit that has been filed in Federal District Court in Detroit can be read here (Warning: PDF download).

[Source: V Cars]

Malcolm Bricklin filing a multi-billion RICO lawsuit against Chery Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cherychery motorsCheryMotorsisrael corpIsraelCorpquantum llcQuantumLlcv carsVCarsvisionaryvisionary vehiclesvisionary vehicles c...visionary-vehiclesVisionaryVehiclesVisionaryVehiclesC... Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Chinese-made, Dodge-badged cars coming to Mexico next year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/chinese-made-dodge-badged-cars-coming-to-mexico-next-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/chinese-made-dodge-badged-cars-coming-to-mexico-next-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/chinese-made-dodge-badged-cars-coming-to-mexico-next-year/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

After years of talk, Chery is finally entering the North American market later this year, but the small car will be badged as a Dodge, and it'll be sold exclusively in Mexico. The decidedly un-Hornet-looking A1, which was designed by Bertone of Italy, will be rebadged as a Dodge and virtually unchanged from its Chery twin. While Chrysler execs are adamant that the A1 isn't coming to the US, the Pentastar is still working with Chery on a small car to be sold north of the border. Don't hold your breath waiting for an ultra-cheap Chery in the US, though. Chrysler co-pilot Tom LaSorda says Chery has "three or more years" before the Chinese automaker can meet US safety and emissions standards.

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

Chinese-made, Dodge-badged cars coming to Mexico next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 May 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> CheryChinaChryslerdodgeHornetPentastar Wed, 14 May 2008 08:28:00 EST <![CDATA[CES 2008: The cars of CES]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/09/ces-2008-the-cars-of-ces/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/09/ces-2008-the-cars-of-ces/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/09/ces-2008-the-cars-of-ces/#comments Filed under: ,



Among the never-ending sea of house-sized LCD TVs, untold navigation devices and cutesy robots at CES are more than a few cars. While last year the theme among custom-car builders was overwhelming gaudiness, this year someone must have written a rule mandating at least a little class.

We expected to see automotive LCD screens installed in more places than is acceptable, and we saw a few, but far fewer than 2007. We looked forward to a few exotics, but were surprised when we found Jay Lenno's EcoJet. Other surprises were a Year One Bandit, a Cadillac Escalade in flat gray primer, and a Morgan Aero 8.

As we approached the Dolby booth we were a bit intimidated by what we assume is a life-size model of the Transformer Bumblee. Very impressive indeed.

Perhaps the most surprising automotive find at CES was a Chery CrossEastar (shown at right) at the Delphi booth. Seating for eight, luxury to rival at least the Big Three, and an expected bargain-basement price has us looking forward to seeing what the company finally sends us. In the opinion of a dad, aside from the potential quality problems, it's an attractive vehicle. Delphi had it at CES to show its global reach, since it supplies its technology products to the Chinese automaker.

We're sure there were tons more we didn't see, but Ford and GM kept us busy this year. Check out our gallery of 60 high-res images for more cars we spotted CES.

Gallery: CES 2008: The cars of CES


All Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

CES 2008: The cars of CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> CES 2008CES 2008 automotiveCES 2008 carsCES 2008 CheryCES 2008 the carsCes2008Ces2008AutomotiveCes2008CarsCes2008CheryCes2008TheCars Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:34:00 EST <![CDATA[Chery to delay exports to Europe]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/07/chery-to-delay-exports-to-europe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/07/chery-to-delay-exports-to-europe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/07/chery-to-delay-exports-to-europe/#comments Filed under: , ,



Europeans anxiously awaiting their chance to buy a Chery will have to cool their heels a little longer. Chery's delaying the export of their B21, but it's not for anything major like crash performance woes. According to suppliers, Chery has pushed back production so they can revamp the interior design. The fitment that appeals to the Chinese domestic market is less thrilling to European buyers, so the cabin will get some attention before the B21 swings into production later this year. It won't be long until these cars start finding European buyers. Chery and its peers are getting their collective acts together and while these cars are currently punchlines, they won't be for long.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req., Photo: Autoblog Chinese]

Chery to delay exports to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> b21cherychinadelayeuropeexportlaunchproduction Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Chery S16: Inspired by Crocs?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/chery-s16-inspired-by-crocs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/chery-s16-inspired-by-crocs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/chery-s16-inspired-by-crocs/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Chery S16 vs. CrocsWell, no, but can you blame us for thinking so? While no one here is a shoe expert like, say, The Manolo, it's hard to look at this forthcoming Chery compact and not think of the ubiquitous (and heinous) sandals worn by Mario Batali and countless suburbanites in apparent need of corrective eye surgery. Look at that rounded, upturned nose -- Croc city, baby! We know that the Chinese auto manufacturers have never shied away from "borrowing" styling elements from other cars in the past, so really, what's to stop them from aping a resin clog design for the S16?

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Gallery: Chery S16 (2005 Concept)

Chery S16: Inspired by Crocs? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chery S16CheryS16crocs Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Post-merger, Fiat ditches Nanjing joint venture]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/post-merger-fiat-ditches-nanjing-joint-venture/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/post-merger-fiat-ditches-nanjing-joint-venture/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/post-merger-fiat-ditches-nanjing-joint-venture/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Hot on the heels of Nanjing Auto's merger with SAIC, Fiat has announced it has pulled out of the automotive joint venture it had embarked upon with Nanjing.

The Sino-Italian operation had been a money-losing enterprise for years. Fiat says that Nanjing failed to live up to its commitments to the joint venture after the Chinese auto group took over MG Rover, and that the divorce will enable the Italian automaker to re-strategize its business in China. Fiat is expected to partner instead with Chery Automobiles, which just announced another joint venture with Israel Corp. Fiat and Chery are in the process of setting up another joint venture to produce 175,000 cars annually starting in 2009, and leading to the introduction of Fiat Group division Alfa Romeo to the Chinese market.

The separation affects only the cooperation between Fiat and Nanjing on the production of passenger cars, and doesn't have any bearing on Fiat's truck-building division, Iveco, which cooperates with Nanjing to build vans and with Nanjing's new parent company SAIC on trucks, the two relationships will continue unhindered.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Post-merger, Fiat ditches Nanjing joint venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinadivorcefiatjoint ventureJointVenturejvmanufacturemergernanjingpulls outPullsOutsaic Thu, 27 Dec 2007 08:03:00 EST <![CDATA[Dodge-branded Chery A1 headed to Mexico soon]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/dodge-branded-chery-a1-headed-to-mexico-soon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/dodge-branded-chery-a1-headed-to-mexico-soon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/18/dodge-branded-chery-a1-headed-to-mexico-soon/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Chrysler and Chery will finally consummate their corporate marriage south of the border when a version of the Dodge-badged Chery A1 goes on sale in Mexico soon. The Chinese econobox will be built at Chery's Wuhu plant and exported to Mexico. According to a review in the Wall Street Journal, beyond a vibration in the steering column at 100 mph, some interior fitment issues and a lack of grunt with four adults in the car, the A1 handled the daily slog with relative ease. Not bad for a little over $5,000.

Sales of the Dodge/Chery A1 in the States are expected sometime in 2009, assuming that the subcompact can meet U.S. crash and emissions standards. Regardless, we're still waiting for the Hornet.

[Source: China Car Times via TTAC]

Dodge-branded Chery A1 headed to Mexico soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> a1cherychery a1CheryA1dodgedodge mexicoDodgeMexicomexico Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:57:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Wall Street Journal goes inside Chery factory]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/05/video-wall-street-journal-goes-inside-chery-factory/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/05/video-wall-street-journal-goes-inside-chery-factory/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/05/video-wall-street-journal-goes-inside-chery-factory/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The Wall Street Journal was allowed behind the scenes at Chinese automaker Chery, a rare privilege in Communist China. The reporter didn't discover any top-secret plans for world domination or even a rendering of what Dodge's Chery-made car would look like. But he did see German and Italian robotics being used on production lines staffed by $1-an-hour workers 16 hours a day. It's a combination the story says should be good for global success.

In Chery's research center, engineers are developing 40-50 new models and the company is building a new production line capable of turning out 700,000 cars a year.

Chery chairman Yin Tongyao says they hope their relationship with Chrysler will allow Chery to hone its cars and streamline its production process. "People look down on our products. There are many doubts about our safety and quality," says Yin says in the WSJ piece. "If we work together with Chrysler, we can go global faster."

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

VIDEO: Wall Street Journal goes inside Chery factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> CheryChery ChryslerCheryChryslerChina automakersChina automotiveChinaAutomakersChinaAutomotive Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Chrysler says talk of breakup with Chery "Absurd"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/chrysler-says-talk-of-breakup-with-chery-absurd/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/chrysler-says-talk-of-breakup-with-chery-absurd/ http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/17/chrysler-says-talk-of-breakup-with-chery-absurd/#comments Filed under: , ,



Inside Line is reporting that Chery will not be building the Dodge Hornet or Demon after all. They deducted this from a report in the Wall Street Journal published on Monday that quotes Simon Elliott, president and CEO of Chrysler Group China Sales Ltd. as saying that his company really wants to fill product holes in its lineup in China, but that it won't be working with Chery to do it. Inside Line takes that information and combines it with a quote from Chrysler's Design Chief Trevor Creed at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September when Creed said Chery's B-segment platform isn't appropriate for the Hornet.

So Elliott says Chery won't be building Chryslers for sale in China, and Creed says Chery's platform isn't right for the Hornet. To us, that doesn't exactly add up to no more Chrysler/Chery deal.

So we sent an email to Chrysler and heard back from David Elshoff at Chrysler's Business Operations Communications. His e-mail simply said, "Absurd." To get a little more detail, we called him up. Elshoff tells Autoblog that Chrysler and Chery are definitely still working together on building cars for export, but not for cars to be sold in China. He tells us that the Chery A1 platform is still targeted for use as a Chrysler vehicle to go on sale in Latin America by the end of 2008. Elshoff says the two companies are also still working on a version of the Hornet, for sale possibly by the end of 2009.

So there, straight from the source, Chrysler and Chery still buddies.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via Inside Line]

Chrysler says talk of breakup with Chery "Absurd" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Chery ChryslerCheryChryslerDodge DemonDodge HornetDodgeDemonDodgeHornet Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:33:00 EST