Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Chinese automakers hope to boost exports]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Great Wall Phenom

We've heard for years that Chinese automakers hoped one day to export their wares to the United States. Ironically, the global economic slowdown could be what gives the Chinese incentive to finally make it happen.

Chinese automakers ramped up production capacity to meet surging demand at home only to see the local economic conditions slow from 30 percent growth in 2010 to just 2.5 percent in 2011. On top of that, the Chinese auto marketplace has now become crowded with foreign and domestic competitors.

"The rapid growth phase of China's auto market is coming to an end, and we see exports as one possible outlet for all the capacity we have built up," Xing Wenlin, Great Wall Motor vice president in charge of overseas markets, tells Reuters. Great Wall's Phenom concept (pictured above) was shown a few years ago as a possible export model.

While most Chinese-made cars aren't up to American quality expectations, developing automotive markets like Egypt, Ukraine, Brazil and Indonesia are clamoring for cheap, reliable transportation. Chinese automaker Chery said earlier this year it would be selling cars in Europe by 2015.

Geely's purchase of Volvo in 2010 has boosted the Chinese company's automotive technology expertise and could help it achieve its goal of doubling exports to 70,000 units this year. While the U.S. is still out of reach for most Chinese automakers, Geely may begin selling a Chinese-made car in the UK by the end of this year. If successful there, a logical next market would be North America.

Chinese automakers hope to boost exports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese automakersgeelygreat wallTue, 15 May 2012 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236337/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/20236337/article-detail.xml 20236337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/greatwallphenom_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/greatwallphenom.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari dealership in trouble for burning rubber on the Great Wall of China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/ferrari-dealership-in-trouble-for-burning-rubber-on-the-great-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/ferrari-dealership-in-trouble-for-burning-rubber-on-the-great-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/ferrari-dealership-in-trouble-for-burning-rubber-on-the-great-wa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 on Great Wall

Ferrari is not an outfit that would miss out on the enormous opportunity presented by the Chinese market. Having won the grand prix there three times out of the first four it was held, the Prancing Horse marque launched a special-edition 599 there in 2009, followed by an even more exclusive porcelain-finish one-off.

For 2012, Ferrari created a special-edition 458 Italia to mark the year of the dragon, and to launch it, the local dealership in Nanjing rented out a section of the Great Wall. It's what they did with it, however, that has local authorities seeing red in more ways than one.

Apparently at some point during or after the demonstration, an employee of the dealership got behind the wheel of the limited-edition V8 supercar and pulled some smokey donuts. The problem is that the stunt left tire marks burnt into the ancient surface, leaving authorities understandably upset. What repercussions will ensue remains to be seen, but we certainly wouldn't want to be ticking off China's notoriously strict government.

Scroll down below for the video report.

Continue reading Ferrari dealership in trouble for burning rubber on the Great Wall of China

Ferrari dealership in trouble for burning rubber on the Great Wall of China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 italiaburnoutchinadonutsferrariferrari 458 italia china editionferrari 458 italia china limited editionferrari 458 italia special editiongreat wallgreat wall of chinavideoWed, 09 May 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234730/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/ferrari-dealership-in-trouble-for-burning-rubber-on-the-great-wa/20234730/article-detail.xml 20234730 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-great-wall-burnout_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-great-wall-burnout.jpg <![CDATA[Great Wall Motors denies Saab talks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/13/great-wall-motors-denies-saab-talks/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/13/great-wall-motors-denies-saab-talks/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/13/great-wall-motors-denies-saab-talks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Man affixes 'Save Saab' sign to car window

According to The Detroit News, Chinese automaker Great Wall has made it clear that the company has not been in talks with Saab over a potential partnership. After word trickled down that a $233-million deal between the Swedish automaker's parent company, Spyker, and Hawtai Motor Group imploded, rumors of various other Chinese suitors have cropped up in a serious fashion.

Spyker said that Hawtai was forced to back out of the arrangement due to the company's inability to obtain proper government consent, while Hawtai denied those claims. Instead, the Chinese automaker said that claim in a statement by saying that the true issues were commercial and economic realities.

Meanwhile, both BAIC and China Youngman Automobile Group have said that they aren't in negotiations with either Spyker or Saab at this time. The Detroit News reports that BAIC recently bought the rights to some Saab technology, though the automaker said that no further discussions had been made about the future of the relationship between the two organizations.

Great Wall Motors denies Saab talks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinagreat wallhawtaihawtai motor groupsaabspykerFri, 13 May 2011 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19939996/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/13/great-wall-motors-denies-saab-talks/19939996/article-detail.xml 19939996 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/saab-saab-again_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/saab-saab-again.jpg <![CDATA[Saab on the money hunt, still in discussions with Great Wall Motor?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/saab-on-the-money-hunt-still-in-discussions-with-great-wall-mot/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/saab-on-the-money-hunt-still-in-discussions-with-great-wall-mot/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/saab-on-the-money-hunt-still-in-discussions-with-great-wall-mot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Saab factory sign in Trollhatten, Sweden

Earlier this morning came word that Saab's deal with Chinese automaker Hawtai had fallen apart. While in discussions with Hawtai, parent company Spyker was evidently also talking with another automaker located in China - Great Wall Motors. According to Reuters, those talks have apparently never ended, and, in light of today's news, we're going to speculate that it's time to escalate the discussion or officially turn off the lights at Saab assembly plants.

Great Wall has cash and Saab has cars, technology and a dealer network. The two companies could be mutually beneficial, but there are hurdles to overcome before anything can actually happen. The Chinese government must approve a foreign joint venture before it moves forward. Still, it's a good sign that companies are still interested in working with Spyker, and that could keep Saab alive.

Spyker isn't simply pinning all of its hopes on Great Wall, as other Chinese companies are also on its radar. Besides a potential Chinese investor, however, Spyker and Saab are still hoping to see their European Investment Bank drawdown approved. Once either scenario plays out favorably, Saab can resume producing automobiles.

Saab on the money hunt, still in discussions with Great Wall Motor? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese investorgreat wallgreat wall motorshawtaisaabspykervictor mullerThu, 12 May 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19938991/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/12/saab-on-the-money-hunt-still-in-discussions-with-great-wall-mot/19938991/article-detail.xml 19938991 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/saab-factory-sign-ap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/saab-factory-sign-ap.jpg <![CDATA[Saab closing in on deal with Russian, Chinese investors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/saab-closing-in-on-deal-with-russian-chinese-investors/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/saab-closing-in-on-deal-with-russian-chinese-investors/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/saab-closing-in-on-deal-with-russian-chinese-investors/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Saab

Around the same time that Ake Jonsson stepped down as chief executive of Saab, the Swedish automaker announced its expansion into the Russian and Chinese markets - a vital move if Saab is to increase its global market share. But it's not just the cars that Saab and its parent company Spyker are interested in selling in these two giant markets. It's also looking to offload shares in an effort to raise much-needed capital.

The first address is Vladimir Antonov, a man who shares a considerable history with Spyker. The Russian banker and multimillionaire oligarch was once the company's largest single shareholder and acted as its chairman, and is also the owner of CPP Manufacturing, to which Spyker sold its own sportscar business. After investigations alleged ties to organized crime, however, General Motors stipulated that Antonov had to leave the company before it would transfer ownership of Saab. Those allegations have apparently now been either disproven or swept under the rug as Antonov has now been cleared by both GM and the Swedish National Debt Office to invest as much as 30 million euros in Saab for a 30-percent stake in the company.

Following that revelation, Saab is also said to be closing in on a deal with a major Chinese carmaker, following a similar path that led crosstown rival Volvo to align itself with Geely following its sale by Ford. Among the manufacturers with which Spyker is reportedly undergoing discussions are the Great Wall Motor Co., China Youngman Automobile Group and Jiangsu Yueda Group, all relatively small players even in China's domestic market. Even so, they could provide the capital Saab needs to continue operating, and if they can, Saab's certainly in no position to pick and choose.

Saab closing in on deal with Russian, Chinese investors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antonovgreat walljiangsujiangsu yeudasaabspykervladimir antonovyoungmanYoungman Automotive GroupMon, 02 May 2011 16:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19928680/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/02/saab-closing-in-on-deal-with-russian-chinese-investors/19928680/article-detail.xml 19928680 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/saab-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/saab-logo.jpg <![CDATA[China's Great Wall looking to expand sales to third European country]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/14/chinas-great-wall-looking-to-expand-sales-to-third-european-cou/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/14/chinas-great-wall-looking-to-expand-sales-to-third-european-cou/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/14/chinas-great-wall-looking-to-expand-sales-to-third-european-cou/#commentsFiled under: ,



While Brilliance takes its leave of the European market for product unbecoming, another Chinese manufacturer, Great Wall, is planning to penetrate further into Europe. The company has been in global markets for about ten years and expects to ship 60,000 vehicles internationally this year, a return to its 2008 number. Some of those will include the Wingle pickup (pictured) that currently goes to Italy and Bulgaria.

Great Wall has three other offerings certified for the Euro-zone: the Hover SUV, the Florid, and the wonderfully named Coolbear sedan. Next year it will begin assembly of those vehicles in Bulgaria, but for the moment it looks like the Wingle will continue to lead the charge. Great Wall wouldn't say what the next market would be beyond "a Northern European country." That region might also give the Wingle more practice at how to cross a body of water, if you know what we mean.

[Source: Just-Auto]

China's Great Wall looking to expand sales to third European country originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bulgariabydchinagreat wallgreat wall wingleGreatWallGreatWallWingleitalywingleFri, 14 May 2010 07:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19472253/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/14/chinas-great-wall-looking-to-expand-sales-to-third-european-cou/19472253/article-detail.xml 19472253 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/greatwalleuro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/greatwalleuro.jpg <![CDATA[Great Wall cars headed to Europe in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/great-wall-cars-headed-to-europe-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/great-wall-cars-headed-to-europe-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/great-wall-cars-headed-to-europe-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Great Wall Phenom
Great Wall Phenom Concept -- Click above for high-res image

Not to be deterred by the woes and recent fate of Brilliance -- or perhaps, having learned from it -- vehicles from Great Wall, the Chinese automaker, will be imported to Europe next year by the UK-based I.M. Group. Brilliance, you might remember, suffered a disastrous couple of crash tests that doomed the company's chances pretty much everywhere. Even after it rebounded with a much improved design, people couldn't un-see and un-remember the catastrophe that was the BS6, and the company's German importer went under.

I.M. Group already imports Subaru, Isuzu, and Daihatsu. That not only gives it some of the best experience possible in bringing Asian cars to Europe, that means it isn't solely reliant on Great Wall to be a success. As well, I.M. is starting with Eastern Europe, planning imports to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania first, with further expansion planned for 2011.

We'll say for the record that if Great Wall builds the Phenom Concept (pictured) as is, and the car gets a good crash rating, we'd have absolutely no problem giving it a try. Even with a that grille. You can read the I.M. Group's release after the jump.

[Source: I.M. Group]

Continue reading Great Wall cars headed to Europe in 2010

Great Wall cars headed to Europe in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaeuropegreat wallgreat wall phenom conceptGreatWallGreatWallPhenomConcepti m groupIMGroupphenomphenom conceptPhenomConceptSun, 20 Dec 2009 12:36:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19288235/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/20/great-wall-cars-headed-to-europe-in-2010/19288235/article-detail.xml 19288235 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/gw_euro_phenom_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/gw_euro_phenom.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19068180/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/17/spy-shots-new-great-wall-hatchback-plunders-toyota-yaris-booty/19068180/article-detail.xml 19068180 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/great_wall_i7_2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/great_wall_i7_2.jpg <![CDATA[Shanghai 2009: Great Wall CHCO11 balances concept kit with production body]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-great-wall-chco11-balances-concept-kit-with-produ/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-great-wall-chco11-balances-concept-kit-with-produ/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-great-wall-chco11-balances-concept-kit-with-produ/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Great Wall CHC011 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

What may have started off as a Mercedes-Benz CLS clone quickly evolved into something slightly more original - assuming you view it from the front or rear. The Great Wall CHC011 is quite a departure for the Chinese automaker, primarily known for low-cost trucks and SUVs in its home market. In addition to going with an alphanumeric name that's all the rage in the west (bear in mind, this is the same company that gave us such gems as the Coolbear, Gwkulla and Socool) the CHC011 takes the popular "four-door coupe" aesthetic, throws in some highly stylized head- and tail-lamps, and adds a 3.0-liter V6, six-speed automatic transmission, adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control, eight air bags and a ten-way adjustable driver's seat. And with "executive seating" in the rear, you'll easy forget about the poorly proportioned wheels GW pilfered from Discount Tire.


Gallery: shanghai 2009:greatwall chc011


[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Great Wall CHCO11 balances concept kit with production body originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chc011great wallgreat wall chc011GreatWallGreatWallChc011shanghaishanghai 2009shanghai auto showshanghai motor showshanghai2009shanghaiautoshowShanghaiMotorShowTue, 21 Apr 2009 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1522792/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-great-wall-chco11-balances-concept-kit-with-produ/1522792/article-detail.xml 1522792 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/2009gwchco11_6-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/2009gwchco11_6-580op.jpg <![CDATA[Shanghai 2009: Nevermind the BMW, Great Wall's Hover M3 is deep-puddle approved!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-nevermind-the-bmw-great-walls-hover-m3-is-deep/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-nevermind-the-bmw-great-walls-hover-m3-is-deep/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-nevermind-the-bmw-great-walls-hover-m3-is-deep/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Great Wall Hover H3 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Great Wall has taken the wraps off this chunky, funky urban toughster, the Hover M3 (sorry, BMW). Reportedly based on the Scion xB-aping Coolbear, the production-bound M3 adds some faux off-road capability to the former vehicle's boxy proportions.

Even if it lacks genuine rock-hopping ability, the upright result of the added cladding, big fender flares, and larger front light fixtures gives the H3 added spunk and originality. Looking a bit like a cartoonist's narrow-gauge Dodge Nitro, we might nix the big chrome wing badge on the front grille, but otherwise, we could almost see this car playing in the States. If nothing else, the M3 is markedly more original than the Coolbear, right?


Gallery: Shanghai 2009:Hover M3


[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Nevermind the BMW, Great Wall's Hover M3 is deep-puddle approved! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoShanghaicoolbeargreat wallgreat wall motorGreatWallGreatWallMotorHover H3HoverH3shanghaishanghai 2009shanghai auto showshanghai motor showShanghai2009ShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowMon, 20 Apr 2009 20:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1522870/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-nevermind-the-bmw-great-walls-hover-m3-is-deep/1522870/article-detail.xml 1522870 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/great-wall-hover-m3-live_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/great-wall-hover-m3-live.jpg <![CDATA[Great Wall Shocker: Spy shots reveal a unique-looking concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/18/great-wall-shocker-spy-shots-reveal-a-unique-looking-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/18/great-wall-shocker-spy-shots-reveal-a-unique-looking-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/18/great-wall-shocker-spy-shots-reveal-a-unique-looking-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Great Wall Hover H7 - Click above for an image gallery

As expected, Chinese automaker Great Wall is using the Shanghai Motor Show to introduce the world to its latest CUV concept, the Hover H7. For years, we've been asking Chinese automakers for unique designs. Today, we take it all back. This is one seriously odd and disjointed-looking concept vehicle.

Up front is a grille that looks like it wants to be Audi-esque, though it's not nearly as successful in execution. Above that gaping maw is some sort of chrome mustache that sits below an air intake that reminds us of a bottom-feeding fish, and that's not good. Stranger yet are the front and rear doors, which feature reverse Nike-swoosh transparent panels bisected by a strong character line that seems to fall off a cliff three-quarters into the rear doors.

Also, be sure to note the side mirrors that have such little surface area that they can't possibly serve a useful purpose. On the positive side, we don't mind the Euro Ford-lookalike alloy wheels. Check out all the gory details in our gallery below. Or, ya know... you could do yourself a favor and skip it, just this once.


Gallery: Shanghai Motor Show: Great Wall Hover H7



[Source: Thetycho.com]

Great Wall Shocker: Spy shots reveal a unique-looking concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>great wallgreat wall hovergreat wall hover h7great wall motorgreat wall motorsGreatWallGreatWallHoverGreatWallHoverH7GreatWallMotorGreatWallMotorsshanghai auto showshanghai motor showShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowSat, 18 Apr 2009 12:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1520224/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/18/great-wall-shocker-spy-shots-reveal-a-unique-looking-concept/1520224/article-detail.xml 1520224 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/hover_h7_2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/hover_h7_2.jpg <![CDATA[Hover Crafts: China's Great Wall said to be readying whole lineup of like-badged crossovers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/hover-crafts-chinas-great-wall-said-to-be-readying-whole-lineu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/hover-crafts-chinas-great-wall-said-to-be-readying-whole-lineu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/hover-crafts-chinas-great-wall-said-to-be-readying-whole-lineu/#commentsFiled under: , ,



China's Great Wall Motor has big plans for expansion outside its home country, and rumor has it that the marque plans to launch an entire vehicle line based on its popular Hover CUV. While it's true that many Chinese automakers tend to crib designs from other manufacturers, Great Wall takes it a step further and borrows the entire chassis from an older Toyota 4Runner model. The exterior styling for the current Hover is based on the unloved Isuzu Axiom from 2002, and the engine is supplied by Mitsubishi.

According to Inside Line, a new version of the CUV is set to be shown this week at the Shanghai Motor Show, and it will likely carry the Hover H3 designation. Expect to see a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, all for a base price of around $13K in China.

The smallest 'ute to carry the Hover nameplate will reportedly be called the M1, which could be powered by either a 1.3-liter four-cylinder or an electric drivetrain. Next up the ladder would be the M3, motivated by a 1.6-liter four-banger. At the upper-end, Great Wall is expected to show off a premium model called the Hover H7, equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine backed by a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive.

[Source: Inside Line | Image: auto.sina.com]

Hover Crafts: China's Great Wall said to be readying whole lineup of like-badged crossovers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>great wallgreat wall hovergreat wall motorgreat wall motorsGreatWallGreatWallHoverGreatWallMotorGreatWallMotorshover h3hover h7hover m1hover m3HoverH3HoverH7HoverM1HoverM3shanghai motor showShanghaiMotorShowWed, 15 Apr 2009 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1517449/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/15/hover-crafts-chinas-great-wall-said-to-be-readying-whole-lineu/1517449/article-detail.xml 1517449 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/greatwallm3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/greatwallm3.jpg <![CDATA[China's Great Wall readying high-riding four-door coupe?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/chinas-great-wall-readying-high-riding-four-door-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/chinas-great-wall-readying-high-riding-four-door-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/chinas-great-wall-readying-high-riding-four-door-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Great Wall CHC011 - Click above for a gallery of images

The tagline for Great Wall Motor Corporation of China is "Driving your colorful life!" Well, the makers of the Sailor, Safe, Sing, Socool, Deer, and Florid vehicles has another one in the pipeline, but this one is not so pithily named: the CHC011. It looks like it started off as a Mercedes CLS clone but then got lifted and slapped with bits left over from the new Star Trek movie. This one could also be a concept car since the side mirrors are little more than slivers of metal. If that's the case, look out for it at the Shanghai Auto Show. And we do mean, look out...


Gallery: Great Wall Motors CHC011


[Source: Sina via The Tycho]

China's Great Wall readying high-riding four-door coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chc011chinaconcept carConceptCargreat wallgreat wall chc011great wall motorgreat wall of chinaGreatWallGreatWallChc011GreatWallMotorGreatWallOfChinasaloonsedanshanghai auto showShanghaiAutoShowSun, 12 Apr 2009 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1514099/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/12/chinas-great-wall-readying-high-riding-four-door-coupe/1514099/article-detail.xml 1514099 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/01_greatwall_chc011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/01_greatwall_chc011.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler may partner with Great Wall on small car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/chrysler-may-partner-with-great-wall-on-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/chrysler-may-partner-with-great-wall-on-small-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/chrysler-may-partner-with-great-wall-on-small-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,



One of Chrysler's long term success trategies is to partner with as many other automakers as possible to share the burden of developing new cars that would otherwise sink the Auburn Hills-based company if it were forced to go it alone. For the longest time we've known that the Pentastar was in talks with various Chinese automakers to develop a small car, and so far the only fruit of that is a rebadged version of the Chery A1 called the Dodge Breeze that's been spied out and about. China Car Times is now reporting that Chrysler and Great Wall may be working together on a car that would be produced by the Chinese automaker and sold around the world as a rebadged Chrysler. The U.S. automaker has reportedly sent engineers to China to help develop the car and ensure it's up to the world standards for safety and emissions. We don't yet know if the two companies are working on an all new vehicle that might be inspired by the Dodge Hornet concept or will use an existing one in Great Wall's lineup, though more than a few of its cars on sale in China come dangerously close to being clones of other cars like the Scion xB, Opel Astra and Fiat Panda. Check out Great Wall's full line-up and let us know what vehicle you think could wear the Pentastar badge proudly.

[Source: China Car Times]

Chrysler may partner with Great Wall on small car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler chinachrysler great wallchrysler small carChryslerChinaChryslerGreatWallChryslerSmallCardodge great wallDodgeGreatWallgreat wallGreatWallWed, 08 Oct 2008 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1335199/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/08/chrysler-may-partner-with-great-wall-on-small-car/1335199/article-detail.xml 1335199 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/coolbear3_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/coolbear3_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chinese automakers copy everything else, why not the Transformers?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/03/chinese-automakers-copy-everything-else-why-not-the-transformer/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/03/chinese-automakers-copy-everything-else-why-not-the-transformer/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/03/chinese-automakers-copy-everything-else-why-not-the-transformer/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image to view all the Chinese Transformers

Chinese automakers are known for making knockoffs off models sold elsewhere in the world, so does it surprise you one has taken to creating knockoffs of our beloved Transformers? To be fair, the Transformers franchise traces its roots back to Japanese culture (check out the current issue of Wired for a great lineage article), but considering the new movie based on the successful toy line was directed by America's biggest blow-em-up director, Michael Bay, one could argue the league of robots in disguise is as American as apple pie.

Great Wall has swiped the marketing campaign currently employed by General Motors and is showing off its "own" vehicles in robot mode, complete with ridiculous profiles that indicate each characters name, with what celebrity it most identifies, favorite movie, singer and motto. Florida (shown above), for instance, stands 3.91 meters tall when transformed from its four-wheel identity, which is a Toyota knock off. It identifies most with Paris Hilton, loves the movie "Mission Impossible", listening to Justin Timberlake and cries out "C'est la vie!" when entering battle. Whatever. Other characters include Perry, i7 and Coolbear, the latter of which is a dead ringer for the new Scion xB.

Considering the track record of Chinese cars when they encounter collisions on public roads, should we expect these Chinese Transformers to crumple under their own weight when erect and collapse into a mangled mess of steel and blown air bags? These Chinabots aren't worthy enough to carry one of Optimus Prime's spare tires.

Check out the crazy profiles by clicking the Read link, and view each character in our gallery below.

[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Gallery: Great Wall Chinese Transformers

Chinese automakers copy everything else, why not the Transformers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Great WallGreatWallmichael bayMichaelBaytransformersTue, 03 Jul 2007 16:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/932478/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/07/03/chinese-automakers-copy-everything-else-why-not-the-transformer/932478/article-detail.xml 932478 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/florid_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/florid_450.jpg <![CDATA[Do you prefer the 1st gen Scion xA and xB? Great Wall's got you covered]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/18/do-you-prefer-the-1st-gen-scion-xa-and-xb-chinas-got-em-for-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/18/do-you-prefer-the-1st-gen-scion-xa-and-xb-chinas-got-em-for-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/18/do-you-prefer-the-1st-gen-scion-xa-and-xb-chinas-got-em-for-y/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If Great Well weren't building cars for the Chinese market, they would most likely be making Rolexx watches or Hermez bags. Instead, they are showing a lineup of six cars at the Shanghai Motor Show this week including at least two that will be familiar to Autoblog readers. For those of you who preferred the original Scion lineup to the new ones that were rolled at the Chicago Auto Show, it looks like Great Wall has them both along, with a bunch of other cars that look vaguely familiar.

[Source: China Car Times]

Update:Autoblog china posts in Beijing Autoshow.


GreatWall Auto:3 new concept car

Do you prefer the 1st gen Scion xA and xB? Great Wall's got you covered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinagreat wallGreatWallShanghai Motor showShanghaiMotorShowWed, 18 Apr 2007 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/876923/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/04/18/do-you-prefer-the-1st-gen-scion-xa-and-xb-chinas-got-em-for-y/876923/article-detail.xml 876923 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/coolbear4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/coolbear4.jpg <![CDATA[How do you say 'lazy designers' in Chinese? Coolbear.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/20/how-do-you-say-lazy-designers-in-chinese-coolbear/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/20/how-do-you-say-lazy-designers-in-chinese-coolbear/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/20/how-do-you-say-lazy-designers-in-chinese-coolbear/#commentsFiled under: ,



Great Wall Automobile Xiong debuted this, the Coolbear, last week in China, proving, once again, that originality is a scarce commodity when it comes to Chinese car design.

Although an argument could be made that it's hard to make a rolling box not look like a Scion xB, it would seem that Great Wall didn't even try. We suspect the designers made charcoal etchings of everything from the belt-line to the c-pillar, brought them back to the office, handed them to the fabricating team, then went out for a cool beer. Nice logo, though.

More shots are available at our sibling site, Autoblog Chinese.

How do you say 'lazy designers' in Chinese? Coolbear. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacoolbeargreat wallGreatWallscionxbMon, 20 Nov 2006 11:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/704836/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/11/20/how-do-you-say-lazy-designers-in-chinese-coolbear/704836/article-detail.xml 704836 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/dsc09476_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/dsc09476.jpg <![CDATA[Chinese automakers vying for coveted NAIAS space]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/chinese-automakers-vying-for-coveted-naias-space/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/chinese-automakers-vying-for-coveted-naias-space/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/chinese-automakers-vying-for-coveted-naias-space/#commentsFiled under:

For those in the industry, it's common knowledge that Detroit's Cobo Hall isn't exactly the sprawling chunk of real estate that automakers want and need from the venue for the most important auto show in North America. Regardless, North American International Auto Show executives are pushing for U.S. market hopefuls Hunan Changfeng Motor Co. Ltd., Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd. and Hebei Zhongxing Automobile Co. Ltd. to display at NAIAS after Geely's premiere in Cobo's concourse last year.

The companies, which could sell cars in the U.S. as early as 2008, were offered a pavilion to share amongst the three of them, but they rejected the plan. Instead, they will likely take up residence downstairs in Michigan Hall, where aftermarket parts and other specialty companies such as American Specialty Cars exhibit. One day soon, however, Chinese automakers likey hope they'll be able to sit at the big kids table in Cobo Hall itself. NAIAS executives will have some pretty creative floorplan problems when that day comes.

[Source: Detroit News]

Chinese automakers vying for coveted NAIAS space originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jul 2006 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changfengchinageelygreat wallGreatWallzhongxingWed, 05 Jul 2006 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/639694/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/07/05/chinese-automakers-vying-for-coveted-naias-space/639694/article-detail.xml 639694 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/geely_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/geely.jpg -1 2