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[GM expects sales in China to grow 20% in 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/gm-expects-sales-in-china-to-grow-20-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/gm-expects-sales-in-china-to-grow-20-in-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/gm-expects-sales-in-china-to-grow-20-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

General Motors boasted in April that it would double sales in China by 2013 with the introduction of 30 new or upgraded models over the next five years.

Last month, GM forecasted that its vehicle sales in China would grow 10% this year alone and now it seems those numbers may have been a bit conservative. Kevin Wale, GM's China Group President, has just announced that the company expects vehicle sales in the region to grow by a little more than 20% in 2009.

While the rest of the global automotive industry is stuck in a rut, the emerging Chinese market seems largely unaffected by stagnant North American sales or GM's bankruptcy filing in early June. As of now, China is the company's second largest market (thanks in part to their insatiable appetite for Buicks).

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM expects sales in China to grow 20% in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20 percent20PercentChinaChineseGMincreaseKevin WaleKevinWaleRiseSalesvehiclesWaleFri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: China passes U.S. in auto sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-china-passes-u-s-in-auto-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-china-passes-u-s-in-auto-sales/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-china-passes-u-s-in-auto-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Most of the world has been knee deep in a wicked recession for quite a while, and auto sales have been hit especially hard. Here in the U.S., the numbers have been abysmal, as the first half of the year saw only 4.8 million sales through June. China, on the other hand, is running away with the overall sales lead, as the emerging emerged market has added 6.1 million cars and trucks to its still developing roadways. According to The Associated Press, June sales were up 36% over the same period in 2008, and they're up 17% on the year.

The big winner in the market so far this year appears to be General Motors. The struggling Detroit, MI-based automaker has seen its China sales jump by 38% this year; while its U.S. sales have tanked. Industry analysts are predicting that the overall market for passenger cars in China will be between 10 and 11 million units.

Most experts weren't expecting China to pass the U.S. in overall sales for another decade, but the crumbling American auto industry has expedited the power shift, at least for the short term. With 1.3 billion people and a healthy economy, this day was destined to come.

[Source: The Associated Press via Google]

REPORT: China passes U.S. in auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesAutoSalescar salesCarSaleschinachina car saleschina salesChinaCarSalesChinaSaleschinesechinese car salesChineseCarSalesus salesUsSalesThu, 09 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[HUMMER hanging on: Tengzhong in talks with Chinese government to clear sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/hummer-hanging-on-tengzhong-in-talks-with-chinese-government-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/hummer-hanging-on-tengzhong-in-talks-with-chinese-government-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/hummer-hanging-on-tengzhong-in-talks-with-chinese-government-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Chinese National Radio recently reported that Tengzhong wouldn't be allowed to purchase Hummer due to environmental concerns. The company released a statement after that news broke saying that while there was no "definitive agreement," the CNR report wasn't based on facts from the government regulatory body in question, and Tengzhong is still working on the deal.

Last week, in a report titled "Tengzhong may get green light from the regulators for its acquisition of Hummer," CNR's take on where things appears to back up Tengzhong's view that the game is not yet played. The company's discussions with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce -- it needs approval from both parties -- have begun, and three options for concluding a deal were proposed.

If Tengzhong can convince the authorities of its expertise and business blan, and gets approval from both parties, it wants to set Hummer up in Sichuan province. If there is resistance to setting Hummer up directly, Tengzhong could try to base the company in one of China's ten bonded areas -- harbor points where the vehicles aren't officially "in" the country until taxes and fees are paid -- but this could impact the company's ability to sell Hummers in China. Or, the company could simply become a foreign investor in Hummer.

It isn't clear whether those options are Tengzhong's take on the purchase, or if that was just more speculation from CNR. Hummer had no comment on the matter.

[Source: Hummer]

HUMMER hanging on: Tengzhong in talks with Chinese government to clear sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionchinahummerhummer saleHummerSalenational development and reform commissionNationalDevelopmentAndReformCommissionndrcsuvtengzhongtengzhong hummerTengzhongHummerSun, 05 Jul 2009 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Beijing Automotive bids for Opel; Magna still expected to close deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/beijing-automotive-bids-for-opel-magna-still-expected-to-close/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/beijing-automotive-bids-for-opel-magna-still-expected-to-close/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/beijing-automotive-bids-for-opel-magna-still-expected-to-close/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Even though Beijing Automotive (BAIC) tendered a non-binding offer for Opel, the company is said to have no chance of actually acquiring the brand. General Motors is still in talks with Magna and its partners, GAZ and Sberbank, and according to Sberbank CEO German Graf, "The choice has been made and the question now is of how to structure the deal."

Observers also feel that the GM-Magna agreement is merely waiting on some dotted I's, crossed T's and that the deal won't fall apart unless Magna blows it up or walks away. That hasn't stopped GM and the German government from creating the appearance of courting other bidders for Opel and Vauxhall, including BAIC and Belgium's RHJ.

BAIC appears to be serious, even if everyone assumes that GM's just using it as a decoy. Magna wants to get the paperwork inked by July 15, and that's around the same time that BAIC wants to make a binding offer for Opel's purchase. It's working with Deutsche Bank and PriceWaterhouse Coopers on its proposal, and we can only assume BAIC will be ready with a bag full of cash in the unlikely event Magna exits stage left.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Beijing Automotive bids for Opel; Magna still expected to close deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baicbeijing automotivebeijing automotive industry corpBeijingAutomotiveBeijingAutomotiveIndustryCorpchinaeuroeuropegazgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgermanygmmagnaopelrhjrhj internationalRhjInternationalsberbankvauxhallSun, 05 Jul 2009 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: China rolls out 89 new models in six months - <i>that's one every two days</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-china-rolls-out-89-new-models-in-six-months-thats-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-china-rolls-out-89-new-models-in-six-months-thats-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/report-china-rolls-out-89-new-models-in-six-months-thats-one/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Geely GE - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been hearing Chinese officials say for quite some time now that there are far too many automakers in the country for a healthy market in the long-term, but we didn't realize until today just how out-of-hand it may be. According to state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua, China has seen an unprecedented 89 new automobile launches so far this year.

That's surely a big number, but it doesn't really hit home until you consider that 89 vehicles in the first half of 2009 averages out to a new or heavily revised vehicle appearing in China once every two days. Of those new designs, 73 were cars, nine were SUVs, six were MPVs and - in contrast to typical American vehicle launches over the same period - only one was a crossover.

As you're surely aware, 2009 is only half over, and there are reportedly some 50 new vehicles still slated for introduction before the end of the year, equaling about 140 new models introduced in 2009. The good news, at least as far the bottom line goes, is that the new releases have translated into sales. The 4.96 million vehicles sold between January and May of this year represent a 14.29-percent increase over the same period in 2008. Still, considering the glut of new models hitting the market, one has to figure that a goodly number of those vehicles will go begging.


Gallery: Geely GE


[Source: Gasgoo]

REPORT: China rolls out 89 new models in six months - that's one every two days originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 chinese cars2009ChineseCarschinachinesechinese carchinese car marketchinese carsChineseCarChineseCarMarketChineseCarsnew chinese carnew chinese carsNewChineseCarNewChineseCarsFri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[China's Tong Jian S11 hybrid sports car attempts to channel inner Audi, Ferrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/chinas-tong-jian-s11-hybrid-sports-car-attempts-to-channel-inne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/chinas-tong-jian-s11-hybrid-sports-car-attempts-to-channel-inne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/chinas-tong-jian-s11-hybrid-sports-car-attempts-to-channel-inne/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Tong Jian S11 - Click above for image gallery

Somehow, we managed to miss China's first-ever hybrid sports car at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year. Known as the S11 from Tong Jian - which incidentally also seems to be the name of a popular Chinese figure skater - this hybrid sports car looks production ready. Details on the coupe's powertrain are extremely scarce, but China Car Times reports that all four wheels are powered in some manner, presumably through a combination of electric motors and internal combustion.

It's obvious that the S11's designers have looked to the Audi R8 and any number of recent Ferraris for design inspiration, both inside and out. As far as we can tell, the resulting mashup isn't all that bad - minus the one-size-too-small alloys and those awkward Audi-esque blades on either side.

If CCT's sources are correct, design work on the Tong Jian S11 has been completed and the hybrid sports car is headed for production at an unknown plant in Changchun city in short order.


Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Tong Jian S11 hybrid sports car


[Source: China Car Times| Images: goche.sohu]

China's Tong Jian S11 hybrid sports car attempts to channel inner Audi, Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenchinese hybrid sports carChineseHybridSportsCarhybrid sports carhybrid sportscarHybridSportsCarshanghai 2009shanghai motor showShanghai2009ShanghaiMotorShowtong jiantong jian s11TongJianTongJianS11Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Hummer buyer to start talks with Chinese gov't to win sale?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-hummer-buyer-to-start-talks-with-chinese-govt-to-win-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-hummer-buyer-to-start-talks-with-chinese-govt-to-win-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-hummer-buyer-to-start-talks-with-chinese-govt-to-win-sa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



China's Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, the company that recently surfaced as the top bidder for Hummer, is about to start talks with Chinese regulators to secure the deal. While General Motors has a tentative agreement with Tengzhong, the two companies have yet to receive the state's blessing, which is necessary for the sale to go through.

Tengzhong, GM and Hummer have been working on a proposal to present to the National Development and Reform Commission, despite speculation that the deal will be blocked by those Chinese officials. Tengzhong reportedly remains optimistic, saying they haven't heard anything from the authorities and don't expect to until their proposal is actually submitted.

Speculation that the deal was in jeopardy began when a China National Radio station reported that government regulators would block the deal based on environmental concerns about Hummer vehicles and the fact that Tengzhong doesn't have much experience as an automaker. Tengzhong is better known as a manufacturer of special-use vehicles, structural components for highways and bridges, construction machinery and energy equipment, so some have suggested this is little more than a publicity stunt for the company, but it certainly sounds like they are serious about the deal now.

[Sources: Reuters, Wall Street Journal]

Hummer buyer to start talks with Chinese gov't to win sale? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hummerhummer salehummer sale chinaHummerSaleHummerSaleChinareportSichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial MachinerySichuanTengzhongHeavyIndustrialMachinerytengzhongtengzhong hummerTengzhongHummerMon, 29 Jun 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: China to block HUMMER sale to Tengzhong]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/report-china-to-block-hummer-sale-to-tengzhong/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/report-china-to-block-hummer-sale-to-tengzhong/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/report-china-to-block-hummer-sale-to-tengzhong/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2008 Hummer H2 - Click above for high-res gallery

General Motors' pending deal to offload its unwanted HUMMER brand may have hit a major snag. Although no official word has come from the Ministry of Commerce or the National Development and Reform Commission, state-run radio organizations are reporting that the Chinese government will indeed block the sale of HUMMER from GM to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. It's impossible to know exactly how this whole mess will play out, but these reports clearly jive with the general sentiments we've been hearing since the deal was first announced.

According to Chinese radio reports (via the BBC), there are two main objections to the HUMMER deal. First, the brand's environmental credentials don't match up with the direction the Chinese government wants its automakers to head. Second, there are questions as to whether Tengzhong has the expertise to properly manage a large automaker as it's business dealings so far have all been in the construction equipment segment.

Not so fast, says Tengzhong. In a newly-released statement regarding these latest reports, the company had this to say:
Some people may have views and speculation, but the Chinese government has a process that we respect... The view expressed on China National Radio's website did not quote or source anyone at NDRC. We do not yet have a definitive agreement, but are developing our proposals with GM and Hummer and we will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities in an appropriate manner.
At this point, it seems equally as possible that a decision could either come down in short order or come only after a long series of protracted negotiations. Stay tuned. Thanks for the tip, Dave S!


Gallery: 2008 HUMMER H2


[Source: BBC]

REPORT: China to block HUMMER sale to Tengzhong originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese nrdcChineseNrdchummerhummer salehummer sale blockedhummer sale chinaHummerSaleHummerSaleBlockedHummerSaleChinanational development and reform commissionNationalDevelopmentAndReformCommissionnrdcsichuan tengzhongsichuan tengzhong heavy industrial machinerysichuan tengzhong heavy industrial machinery cosichuan tengzhong hummerSichuanTengzhongSichuanTengzhongHeavyIndustrialMachinerySichuanTengzhongHeavyIndustrialMachineryCoSichuanTengzhongHummertengzhongtengzhong hummerTengzhongHummerFri, 26 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Critics from China berate proposed HUMMER sale, rekindled automaker could be based in Nashville]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/critics-from-china-berate-proposed-hummer-sale-rekindled-automa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/critics-from-china-berate-proposed-hummer-sale-rekindled-automa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/critics-from-china-berate-proposed-hummer-sale-rekindled-automa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2008 Hummer H2 SUT - Click above for high-res gallery

As Chinese media outlets continue to voice derision over GM's agreement to sell its unwanted HUMMER division to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co., there are real questions as to whether or not the Chinese government will even approve of the purchase.

State-run media outlet Xinhua News Agency has suggested that Tengzhong's interest in HUMMER may be little more than a publicity stunt, saying, "It couldn't achieve this result (of raising its profile) even if it spent $100 million on advertising." Commenting on Tengzhong's deal to purchase HUMMER, China's Minister of Commerce Chen Deming said:
We hope Chinese companies learn more about international market rules and development trends in their industries and make prudent investments.
While none of that sounds particularly promising, it doesn't necessarily mean the deal won't be approved, and HUMMER CEO Jim Taylor is reportedly moving forward with the automaker's future plans as it looks for a new location outside GM's corporate headquarters in the Renaissance Center to call home. According to the Nashville Business Journal, HUMMER could stay in the Detroit area or possibly join Nissan by taking root in Tennessee.


Gallery: 2008 HUMMER H2


[Sources: Autocar, Nashville Business Journal]

Critics from China berate proposed HUMMER sale, rekindled automaker could be based in Nashville originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hummerhummer purchasehummer salehummer sale chinaHummerPurchaseHummerSaleHummerSaleChinasichuan tengzhongsichuan tengzhong heavy industrial machinerysichuan tengzhong heavy industrial machinery cosichuan tengzhong hummerSichuanTengzhongSichuanTengzhongHeavyIndustrialMachinerySichuanTengzhongHeavyIndustrialMachineryCoSichuanTengzhongHummertennesseetennessee hummerTennesseeHummerThu, 25 Jun 2009 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[SAIC to buy Opel Insignia platform for Roewe?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/saic-to-buy-opel-insignia-platform-for-roewe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/saic-to-buy-opel-insignia-platform-for-roewe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/saic-to-buy-opel-insignia-platform-for-roewe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Chinese-spec Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to an unnamed source from the 21st Century Business Herald in China (via Gasgoo), Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) has been in talks with General Motors since last March to purchase the Eplison II platform (as used by the latest Opel Insignia and the Chinese-market Buick Regal) for its next Roewe 750 midsize sedan. The fact that SAIC is GM's Chinese partner may seem to lend a bit of credibility to these rumors, though SAIC and General Motors have both initially denied any knowledge of the platform-sharing plan.

While all of Roewe's sedans have so far been based on the aging underpinnings of the former Rover brand from the U.K., recent concepts - such as the attractive N1 from the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year - show that the Chinese automaker is serious about designing attractive machines for its home market and beyond.


Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal


[Source: Gasgoo]

SAIC to buy Opel Insignia platform for Roewe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buick regalBuickRegalgmgm epsilon 2gm epsilon IIgm epsilon platformGmEpsilon2GmEpsilonIiGmEpsilonPlatformopel insigniaOpelInsigniaroeweroewe 750roewe n1Roewe750RoeweN1saicshanghai automotiveshanghai automotive industry corpshanghai automotive industry corporationShanghaiAutomotiveShanghaiAutomotiveIndustryCorpShanghaiAutomotiveIndustryCorporationWed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[GM hits two million Buick sales in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/gm-hits-two-million-buick-sales-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/gm-hits-two-million-buick-sales-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/gm-hits-two-million-buick-sales-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Buick Regal (China Spec) - click above for high-res image gallery

It took General Motors eight years to sell one million Buicks in China, but the second million came in only three. Brisk auto sales in the land of the Great Wall are part of the reason for the increase, but the General has also stepped up its product lineup with new offerings, including the Regal, LaCrosse, and Park Avenue. Shanghai GM's two-millionth Buick was a red Regal, delivered to a customer in the southern city of Guangzhou.

While those vehicles have brought some high-end class to GM Shanghai's Buick operation, they haven't come close to the success of the smaller Excelle. Shanghai GM has sold 900,000 copies of the Excelle sedan, hatch, and wagon since 2003, and sales are still going strong with 94,000 units moved in the first five months of 2009.

While Buick has struggled as a brand here in the States, the marquee has enjoyed blockbuster success in China. Buick was a smash success in China in the 1930s, as provincial presidents and emperors chose the brand over more austere offerings from the likes of Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz, and it appears some of that goodwill has been projected into modern times.


Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal

Continue reading GM hits two million Buick sales in China

GM hits two million Buick sales in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickbuick regalBuickRegalgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm chinaGmChinashanghai gmShanghaiGmMon, 22 Jun 2009 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Buick getting its own Astra variant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spy-shots-buick-getting-its-own-cruze-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spy-shots-buick-getting-its-own-cruze-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/spy-shots-buick-getting-its-own-cruze-variant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Buick "Astra" - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Further proof that General Motors is readying a Opel Astra derivative for the Buick brand has just arrived in the form of spy shots showing a mid-size mule testing at Germany's Nürburgring. Somewhat obscured behind the excessive camo is Buick's trademark "waterfall" grille, however, the A-pillar and C-pillar survive the transition from Opel to Buick.

Inside, the badge engineering is markedly more apparent with what looks like an instrument panel, center console, and steering wheel directly ported over from the recently revealed 2010 Opel Astra. In all likelihood, the Buick version will be sold almost exclusively in the Chinese market and, although it would be built along side the Cruze at GM's Lordstown, OH plant, it's doubtful that the compact Buick will ever be sold in the States. But if it does, we'd suggest reviving the Skylark or Somerset moniker, because, hey... we know how well they went over before.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Buick Cruze

Spy Shots: Buick getting its own Astra variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickbuick cruzeBuickCruzechinacruzedelta IIDeltaIispy shotsSpyShotsMon, 22 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate <i>Revenge of the Fallen</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/we-are-all-bumblebee-beijing-transformers-fans-gather-to-celebr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/we-are-all-bumblebee-beijing-transformers-fans-gather-to-celebr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/22/we-are-all-bumblebee-beijing-transformers-fans-gather-to-celebr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Beijing Bumblebee gathering - click above for high-res image gallery

Less than one week before Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen goes into wide release in China, fans of the morphing vehicle-turned-robot movie franchise took to the streets of Beijing in full Bumblebee regalia.

What looks to be a well-organized event was put on by website Autohome.com.cn, and it appears that they even managed to get General Motors' Chevrolet division in on the act, with a new Bumblebee-spec Camaro to lead the procession of like-painted fan cars.

We're not sure we'd go with the yellow-and-black stripes treatment on our own rides, but we remain impressed with both the dedication and the sheer variety of cars that have been given the 'Full Bumblebee,' including a couple of new Cruze sedans and a passel of Aveos, a Ford Focus, a Suzuki Swift and an SX4, a Citroen C4 - even a Mark II Volkswagen Golf. Check out the high-res photo gallery after the jump, and be sure to click on the link below for even more shots of the event. Thanks for the tip, Joe!


Gallery: Beijing Bumblebee Gathering


[Source: Autohome.com.cn via Google Translate]

We Are All Bumblebee: Beijing Transformers fans gather to celebrate Revenge of the Fallen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeijingBumblebeeCamaroChevroletChevrolet CruzeChevroletCruzeChevy CruzeChevyCruzeMegan FoxMeganFoxRevenge of the FallenRevengeOfTheFallenRotFShia LaBeoufShiaLabeoufSuzuki SwiftSuzuki SX4SuzukiSwiftSuzukiSx4TransformersMon, 22 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Geely agrees to buy Volvo? Ford silent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/report-geely-agrees-to-buy-volvo-ford-silent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/report-geely-agrees-to-buy-volvo-ford-silent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/report-geely-agrees-to-buy-volvo-ford-silent/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Any talk of brands for sale in the auto industry invariably includes a Chinese automaker as one potential bidder. As such, it's not surprising to hear that Chinese automaker Geely is reportedly in the running to buy Volvo from Ford. Chinese media, however, have begun reporting that Geely has actually signed a deal with the Dearborn-based automaker to buy the last remaining brand from Ford's now-defunct Premium Auto Group.

Has it actually happened? Both Ford and Volvo have made no official statements that would confirm what's being reported in the Chinese media. Official confirmations usually come after a deal has been widely reported in the media, though. However, the only outlets reporting this rumor are from China. We haven't heard a peep from any Swedish-based news organizations, which is surprising considering they were on the ball last week reporting that Koenigsegg had struck a deal with General Motors to buy Sweden's other big auto brand, Saab.

Swedespeed.com actually asked Volvo if the reports of a sale to Geely were true. James Hope, Volvo's US Product Communications Manager, had this to say.

"An announcement related to the sale of Volvo Car Corp. would only come from Ford Motor Company. As of today [Wednesday, June 17, 2009], neither Ford Motor Company nor Volvo Car Corporation in Sweden has made any announcement regarding the sale of Volvo. Reports of such a sale by any media outlet are speculative and, therefore, are not accurate."

There you have it. If an agreement has been struck by Geely and Volvo's parent company Ford, nobody's except the Chinese are talking about it.

[Source: Autocar.uk, Swedespeed]

REPORT: Geely agrees to buy Volvo? Ford silent originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordgeelygeely buys volvogeely fordgeely volvoGeelyBuysVolvoGeelyFordGeelyVolvovolvoThu, 18 Jun 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: New Great Wall hatchback plunders Toyota Yaris' booty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/spy-shots-new-great-wall-hatchback-plunders-toyota-yaris-booty/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/spy-shots-new-great-wall-hatchback-plunders-toyota-yaris-booty/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/spy-shots-new-great-wall-hatchback-plunders-toyota-yaris-booty/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Great Wall i7 - Click above for image gallery

If we were heading up one of China's numerous automakers and we were looking through the annals of history for a vehicle design to crib, our choice probably wouldn't be that of the Toyota Yaris. It's not so much that the Yaris is a bad car, it's that the success of Toyota's little subcompact hatchback is probably based more on the merits of its nameplate and reputation for reliability and low running costs than its styling. No matter, China's Great Wall has indeed aped a good portion of Toyota's five-door hatchback for its latest entry into the small car wars, imaginatively named i7.

The rear end may have a lot of Toyota in it, but we especially like the front grille, which appears to be a Vulcan mind-meld between the design languages of both Dodge and Audi while managing to look completely horrid original. Inside, the i7 combines the unloved central gauge cluster of the Yaris with some very fake wood trim around the shifter and upholstery borrowed from a mid-Nineties Dodge Neon.

So far, there's no word on what powers the i7 or when it's expected to make it into production.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Great Wall i7


[Source: China Car Times | Photos: BitAuto]

Spy Shots: New Great Wall hatchback plunders Toyota Yaris' booty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>great wallgreat wall i7great wall motorgreat wall motorsGreatWallGreatWallI7GreatWallMotorGreatWallMotorstoyota yaristoyota yaris clonetoyota yaris hatchbackToyotaYarisToyotaYarisCloneToyotaYarisHatchbackyaris cloneYarisCloneWed, 17 Jun 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[GhettEnzo: Enterprising Chinese creates Ferrari-aping replica out of Geely coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/ghettenzo-enterprising-chinese-creates-ferrari-aping-replica-ou/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/ghettenzo-enterprising-chinese-creates-ferrari-aping-replica-ou/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/ghettenzo-enterprising-chinese-creates-ferrari-aping-replica-ou/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


GhettEnzo - click above for gallery

Well, the rendering looked great. The end result, not so much. Customizers in China are so hardcore, they always earn an "A" for effort. This time, though, all that work out in the elements with zero protective gear in sight has resulted in a Geely coupe that might cause one to choke back vomit. It's not like the Geely Beauty Leopard is attractive to begin with, looking like a Saturn Coupe with Supra headlamps grafted on.

What emerged with scissor doors and a beaky face is a Ferrari Enzo clone. Sort of. Let's just say that the reproportioning effort to afford the Geely's wheelbase some Maranello visuals has not gone altogether well. It's rendered us speechless, so hit the gallery and draw your own conclusions.


Gallery: GhettEnzo


[Source: Carscoop, Photos: gaibar.com]

GhettEnzo: Enterprising Chinese creates Ferrari-aping replica out of Geely coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>china ferrari enzo replicaChinaFerrariEnzoReplicachinese ferrarichinese ferrari enzo knockoffChineseFerrariChineseFerrariEnzoKnockoffcustom geely ferrari enzoCustomGeelyFerrariEnzoenzoferrariferrari enzoferrari enzo geelyferrari enzo knockoffferrari enzo replicaFerrariEnzoFerrariEnzoGeelyFerrariEnzoKnockoffFerrariEnzoReplicageelygeely enzogeely ferrariGeelyEnzoGeelyFerrariMon, 15 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Sichuan Tengzhong to finalize Hummer deal in third quarter, keep U.S. production?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/report-sichuan-tengzhong-to-finalize-hummer-deal-in-third-quart/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/report-sichuan-tengzhong-to-finalize-hummer-deal-in-third-quart/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/report-sichuan-tengzhong-to-finalize-hummer-deal-in-third-quart/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2008 Hummer HX Concept - click above for high-res gallery

According to Automotive News, the deal between General Motors and Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery to offload Hummer should be complete by October. A statement made by STHIM's general manager, Yang Yi, further suggests that the Chinese company has no plans to export Hummer's equipment and/or technology to its home market, meaning that the truck brand's offerings should remain North American produced for the foreseeable future.

The details for Sichuan Tengzhong's winning bid for Hummer have not been disclosed, but according to AN, investment bankers are suggesting that the deal was likely brokered for around $100 million in cash, and Yi confirmed that the Chinese heavy machinery company would not be assuming any of GM's debt in the process.

Assuming STHIM and General Motors can sew up the bid for Hummer (in the third quarter or otherwise), the Chinese government will still need to grant approval before the deal can move forward.


Gallery: Detroit 2008: HUMMER HX Concept


[Source: Automotive News]


REPORT: Sichuan Tengzhong to finalize Hummer deal in third quarter, keep U.S. production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ironic Twist: Renault reportedly banned from selling in China over "serious safety risks"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/ironic-twist-renault-reportedly-banned-from-selling-in-china-ov/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/ironic-twist-renault-reportedly-banned-from-selling-in-china-ov/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/ironic-twist-renault-reportedly-banned-from-selling-in-china-ov/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Renault Laguna, Scenic, Megane and Megane Coupe-Cabriolet were designed by Renault, built by Renault factories in France, and have all earned five stars in European NCAP tests. They have also all been banned by China's General Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine for "serious safety risks" and inadherence to technical regulations.

Renault didn't even sell a thousand cars in China last year, and the GAQSIQ didn't specify what could have been so wrong with those four cars that they deserved a ban. It has only said that Renaults "have many times revealed quality problems" and urged the company to check its Chinese-market cars thoroughly. We have no idea what the technical and safety issues could be, but based on some of the Chinese cars being sold... well, you know the one about glass houses, right?

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

Ironic Twist: Renault reportedly banned from selling in China over "serious safety risks" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinagovernmentlagunalegalmeganerenaultrenault lagunarenault meganerenault scenicRenaultLagunaRenaultMeganeRenaultScenicsafetyscenicThu, 11 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORTS: Chinese automaker, Wyoming investors still in bidding mix for Saab. Wait... Wyoming?!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/report-chinese-automaker-wyoming-investors-still-in-bidding-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/report-chinese-automaker-wyoming-investors-still-in-bidding-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/report-chinese-automaker-wyoming-investors-still-in-bidding-mi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Analysts have been speculating for years just how Chinese automakers would enter the North American market. The struggles of U.S. automakers have provided plenty of opportunities to purchase mature marques from the likes of General Motors or Ford, but so far, only Hummer has been added by a company from the land of the Great Wall. Beijing Auto, which partners with Daimler in China, was reportedly vying for Opel, but now Gasgoo, through a report in the South China Morning Post, is reporting that the Chinese automaker has turned its attention to Saab.

Saab CEO Jan-Ake Jonsson has announced that only two suitors are now bidding on the Swedish automaker, and GM has said a sale could be announced in a couple weeks. We'd reported earlier that the Saab suitors were Koenigsegg and Renco Group, but it appears there may end up being more serious bidders for the Swedish brand. As of this morning, Automotive News is reporting that a small group of Wyoming investors, Merbanco, is also still in the fray, and if report from the South China Morning Post is to be believed, Beijing Auto could also give China the international automaker it has craved.

GM will reportedly announce its preferred bidder for Saab later this week.

[Sources: Gasgoo; Automotive News | Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty]

REPORTS: Chinese automaker, Wyoming investors still in bidding mix for Saab. Wait... Wyoming?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beijing autoBeijingAutogeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMkoenigseggmerbancorencosaabTue, 09 Jun 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese government unlikely to approve Hummer purchase deal?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/report-chinese-government-unlikely-to-approve-hummer-purchase-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/report-chinese-government-unlikely-to-approve-hummer-purchase-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/report-chinese-government-unlikely-to-approve-hummer-purchase-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



According to a report from Bloomberg, state-owned Chinese news agency Shanghai Securities News is predicting that it is unlikely the Chinese government will approve the purchase of Hummer from General Motors by Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. Why? Apparently, China actually wants to reduce the number of automakers operating within its borders and favors keeping manufacturers with an eye towards fuel efficiency. Of all the labels people have put on the Hummer brand, fuel efficient hasn't exactly been one of them. According to Tim Payne, a spokesman for Tengzhong:
"Some people may have views and speculation but the Chinese government has a process that we respect. We have only just signed an MOU but as we develop our proposals with GM and Hummer we will continue to work with the appropriate authorities."
In other words, it's too early to draw conclusions about whether or not China will approve of the purchase of Hummer. However, it does seem unlikely that Tengzhong would enter into the deal with the belief that the Chinese government would squash it, no?

[Source: Bloomberg]

Chinese government unlikely to approve Hummer purchase deal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese governmentChineseGovernmentGMhummerhummer saleHummerSalesichuan tengzhongSichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Cosichuan tengzhong hummerSichuanTengzhongSichuanTengzhongHeavyIndustrialMachineryCoSichuanTengzhongHummertengzhongFri, 05 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST