Autoblog

Chery hires Porsche's Saracoglu as new head of design studio in Shanghai

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, China, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chery, Design/Style

The eastward migration of automotive designers bearing European pedigrees continues with Chery Automobile reportedly hiring former Porsche stylist Hakan Saracoglu. The move comes almost a year after Chery hired James Hope from the General Motors Exterior Design Studio in Russelsheim, Germany to be its corporate director of design.

Saracoglu had been with Porsche since 1998, and he showed his abilities on the 997-series Porsche 911 GT2 and GT2 RS, previous-generation Boxster and Cayman and the 918 Spyder. He will join Hope's team with the aim of taking Chery beyond the car it is most known for, the QQ, to a company "standing for value, for design and gaining customer confidence. That's where we want to go." Saracoglu will lead a group of 30 designers to create a range of concepts in various segments.

Chery hires Porsche's Saracoglu as new head of design studio in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

China still 10 years away from globally competitive car company

Zach Bowman — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: China, Chery, Geely

It may be a spell before Chinese automakers are capable of turning out a globally competitive vehicle. That's the findings of a sprawling 200 page report by Bernstein Research. The group went through the trouble of purchasing two Chinese-made cars, importing them to Europe and disassembling them down to every last nut and bolt. The study also included in-depth interviews with CEOs at each of the major manufacturers, including Great Wall, Chery, Brilliance and SAIC among others. Researchers found that by and large, global partners aren't holding up their end of joint venture deals, with the vast majority of foreign automakers seemingly not taking the Chinese market seriously.

The one exception to that rule, according to Bernstein, is General Motors and SAIC. GM has pumped a staggering amount of cash into China, and as a result, SAIC seems leagues ahead of its peers on the design and engineering front. Speaking of engineering, the study found most Chinese cars to simply be reverse-engineered examples of foreign models, with the Toyota Corolla being the most popular. That's due in part to the fact that Chinese automakers spend $100 million a year on research and development on average. For comparison's sake, a company like Volkswagen or Toyota spends closer to $1 billion. The Truth About Cars has a closer look at the report's contents. You can find that writeup here.

China still 10 years away from globally competitive car company originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Former GM engineer found guilty of trying to sell trade secrets

Chris Tutor — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Technology, GM, Chery, Electric

After an almost month-long trial, former General Motors engineer Shanshan Du and her husband, Yu Qin, were convicted Sunday of stealing hybrid vehicle trade secrets from the automaker. Qin was convicted on seven counts, while Du was convicted of three trade-secret counts but acquitted of wire fraud charges.

Prosecutors said Qin used the data in attempts to either get employment with or form partnerships with GM's Chinese competitors, including Chery Automobile Co. GM claimed in the trial that the secrets were worth more than $40 million. Defense lawyers said the data wasn't secret, wasn't stolen and was "useless for other companies."

"These defendants stole trade secrets, which General Motors spent many years and millions of dollars to develop, to give an unfair advantage to a foreign competitor," US Attorney Barbara McQuade said. "We hope that this prosecution will send a message that stealing proprietary information from an employer or competitor is a serious crime."

Du worked for GM from 2000 until her resignation in 2005. Prosecutors argued that Du and her husband had formed Millennium Technology International through which they had hoped to sell the stolen information. Lawyers said 16,262 stolen files were found on Du's computer.

Sentencing is scheduled for February. The couple face maximum sentences of 10 years on each trade secret count and fines of as much $250,000.

Former GM engineer found guilty of trying to sell trade secrets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jaguar Land Rover and Chery investing in Chinese plant

Chris Tutor — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Chery, Tata, Luxury

While the European auto market for Jaguar and Land Rover is waning, Chinese car buyers can't get enough of the British marques. To meet that demand, Tata Motors, parent company of Jag and Land Rover, is partnering with Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co.

The two announced plans to invest $1.75 billion to build a new plant and create a new, China-focused brand. 2014 is the target for completion of the factory. Jaguars and Land Rovers built at the facility will be the first ever produced outside the UK according to the Associated Press. The JV will be called Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Company Ltd.

The announcement comes less than a month after JLR announced it would open a design studio in China. It's not clear from the reports whether the two announcements are part of the same JV or two separate plans.

China requires any company wanting to set up domestic production to partner with a local business. By doing so, JLR avoids a 25-percent tariff on imported cars. Chery benefits from a planned research and development center as well as a chance to "really upgrade its capabilities," according to Bill Russo of Synergistic Ltd. in Beijing.

You can read the official press release below.

Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover and Chery investing in Chinese plant

Jaguar Land Rover and Chery investing in Chinese plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New Chinese carmaker Qoros set for 2013 Geneva Motor Show debut

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, China, Chery

Qoros, the Chinese carmaker that's a joint venture between Chery Automotive and Israel Corporation, has released a couple of teaser images of the small sedan it has planned for next year's Geneva Motor Show. Qoros, a play on the word "chorus," is already almost six years old, and unlike other start-ups we've watched over the years, appears to have spent that time working on a properly vetted automobile with the help of industry-standard suppliers.

Although the image above hints at three different vehicles, it's the C-segment sedan up front that will come first. The "elegantly proportioned" C11, a four-door planned for sale "to discerning young buyers in China and Europe" next year, was caught in camouflage this summer while testing in Europe. Designed by Gert Volker Hildebrand, who led the design for the return of Mini, it is said to have interior space above its class, "a strong focus on state-of-the-art technology," and "will be engineered to receive maximum ratings on Euro NCAP safety tests."

A 150,000-unit factory is currently being built, and once the C11 is launched Qoros envisions that the modular architecture supporting it will allow a new model to be introduced "almost every half year." That would explain the crossover-looking vehicles behind the sedan, and the hybrid and electric variants to be included among the range. There's a press release below with more information.

Continue reading New Chinese carmaker Qoros set for 2013 Geneva Motor Show debut

New Chinese carmaker Qoros set for 2013 Geneva Motor Show debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Australia finds asbestos in Chinese-built cars, prompts recall

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Australia

China's product safety reputation took another hit today, as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced a recall of 23,000 Chinese vehicles made by Great Wall and Chery. The vehicles have engine and exhaust gaskets that contain asbestos, a known carcinogen that is prohibited in Australia. Both manufacturers have been directed to stop selling the affected vehicles, and owners have been warned not to perform any do-it-yourself repairs that involve the problem gaskets.

The recall raises questions about Chinese automakers plans to increase exports, not only to Australia but Europe and potentially even the United States. Yet a spokesman for Great Wall told Bloomberg that the recall "won't have much impact on our export and overseas expansion plans."

How the asbestos-containing parts came to be used in the Australian cars is unclear, but a Chery spokesman told the news agency that the automaker made a mistake, building the cars with a batch of parts that were not intended for use in export cars. But an Australian public affairs official indicated that the recall affects a majority of the vehicles the two Chinese automakers have imported.

Great Wall began exporting vehicles to Australia in 2009 and Chery followed in 2011, according to the report. Combined, they sold just over 17,000 vehicles in Australia between 2010-2011. Models affected by the recall include the Great Wall SA220, V240, X240, V200 and X200 (pictured), as well as the Chery J11 and J3.

Scroll down to read the full statement from the ACCC.

Continue reading Australia finds asbestos in Chinese-built cars, prompts recall

Australia finds asbestos in Chinese-built cars, prompts recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chinese-market Land Rover Freelander and Range Rover Evoque to use Chery engines?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

A couple of developments on the recent Jaguar/Land Rover joint venture are being reported in Chinese media based on a report in China's Economic Daily News. The 130,000-capacity factory planned for Jiangsu is epected to mint its first vehicle in 2014, with numbers given for the breakdown so far as: 43,000 Land Rover Freelander 2s, 34,000 Range Rover Evoque models (called the Aurora in China) and, according to Google Translate, "the joint venture brand vehicles of 23,000 Jaguar sedan."

We're not sure if that really means 23,000 Jags will be made, since that would be a six-fold multiplier of Jaguar's 2011 sales in China. The quoted Land Rover production would only be doubling its sales tally from 2011, even though the brand's sales were up 105 percent in Q1 of this year. There will be a separate joint-venture brand created between JLR and Chery as well, so that could be a part of it. Futher on, the plan is for the plant to expand to a capacity of 250,000 units.

More interestingly, the locally-made engines will be JLR's 3.0-liter V6 alongside two Chery motors, a 1.6-liter TGDI turbo and a 2.0-liter TGDI, with plans to "gradually introduce" the Chery engines into the Land Rovers. JLR engineers are said to be moving to China to continue joint development of the TGDI motors, which has apparently been ongoing. Until those are ready, JLR will import its 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter motor.

The report in China's 163.com is also interesting for the regulatory and business context it provides on the joint venture, with government rules mandating the minimum amount of investment and the establishment of R&D centers. The tie-up is said to be a boon to Chery's fortunes in light of the assertion that Chery's "operating conditions are not ideal" and that getting the "core technology" for its own brands had "become the top priority of the project approval." Official approval of the JV is expected later this year.

Chinese-market Land Rover Freelander and Range Rover Evoque to use Chery engines? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chery requests Chinese approval of $1.9B joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

A month ago, Jaguar Land Rover signed a joint-venture agreement with China's Chery Automobile Company. JLR's 12.1 billion yuan ($1.9 billion U.S.) investment, if approved, will pay for a plant in Changsu to build Jaguars, Land Rovers, engines and joint-venture models. The facility will also house a research and development center. Chery has submitted the paperwork to clear the deal with the Chinese government. The agreement must pass muster with the Ministry of Enviroment Protection, after which it will go to the National Development and Reform Commission.

When the agreement was first inked an Indian analyst said, "it will be some time before we see the results," a nod to the fact that government approvals can take a long time. Subaru is an instructive example, having signed an agreement with Chery a year ago. Sources said the deal was ready to be approved last November, but that was the last that has been heard of it - it's still waiting on the necessary signatures.

But JLR has the long view in mind: it sold 38,890 vehicles in China last year - all imported - a figure representing double-digit sales gains for both brands. The proposed factory will have a capacity of 130,000 units, providing a healthy buffer in case the bureaucracy sits on things.

Chery requests Chinese approval of $1.9B joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jaguar Land Rover inks joint venture with China's Chery

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

Jaguar Land Rover and Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Company have filed paperwork to enter into a joint venture. Under the agreement, the two Tata Motors properties will manufacture both Jag and Land Rover vehicles and engines, as well as a new line of vehicles developed with Chery. The joint venture will also create a research and development lab and sell the products created by the partnership. Land Rover has had its eye on boosting sales the still-growing Chinese market for some time, and the move looks to be a smart first step in that direction. While overall vehicle demand has softened in China, wealthy buyers are still thirsty for status-symbol vehicles like those in the Jaguar and Land Rover portfolios.

Now that both companies have agreed upon the terms, the automakers must get approval from the Chinese government before the joint venture can become official.

Land Rover isn't the first company to jump into bed with Chery. As Automotive News reports, last year Subaru submitted a a deal with the Chinese company to regulators to produce vehicles in the People's Republic. So far, no announcement has been made on that venture's progress.

Jaguar Land Rover inks joint venture with China's Chery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chery to (finally) invade Europe after 2015

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Chery

Chinese automakers have had a heck of a time trying to crack the crowded European vehicle market, but Chery is hoping to change that in a few years. Automotive News reports that Chery is hoping to take up shop in Europe sometime after 2015.

Chery Deputy General Manager Lu Jianhui reportedly provided the 2015 timeline as the planned date to offer the brand in Europe, but added "we are still focusing on Russia and South America, among others, as our major export markets." Chery is already moving a lot of metal in those emerging markets, with a planned 180,000 vehicles for export in 2011. The automaker hopes to bump that sum closer to one million vehicles before the decade is out.

The 2015 timeline comes after news of a joint venture between Chery and Israel Corp to build three vehicles. The 1.5-billion-euro project would result in vehicles to be sold in China, followed by European sales one year later.

Chery to (finally) invade Europe after 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chery reportedly researching Wankel engines for extended-range EVs

Zach Bowman — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:22:00 EST

Filed under: China, Technology, Chery, Electric

Mazda isn't the only company out there working on the next-generation rotary engine. According to China Car Times, Chery is also dabbling in Wankel technology. The company isn't so much interested in bringing non-piston love to The People's Republic so much as they are finding a more efficient way to charge the batteries in an extended-range EV. If CCT's intelligence is accurate, the plan is to use an 800cc Wankel as a sort of internal-combustion lifeline so that if an electric car's batteries go dead the driver won't be walking home. The strategy is in line with what we've seen from the Chevrolet Volt.

Chery has already worked up a prototype or two using electron-powered QQ3 models. China Car Times says that the vehicles can drive up to 93 miles on battery power alone. Throwing in the new Wankel has extended the vehicle's range by as much as an additional 43 miles. As of right now, there are no specifics as to whether or not Chery plans to bring the range-extended QQ3 to market.

[Source: China Car Times]

Chery reportedly researching Wankel engines for extended-range EVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Norster 600R is a Finnish designed, Chinese built, British Frogeye throwback

Zach Bowman — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, China, Europe, Chery

Norster 600R - Click above for high-res image gallery

There were plenty of reasons to love the Austin-Healey Sprite. Besides being super affordable when they debuted, the Sprite was light and capable of out-handling high-dollar sports cars of the era, not to mention the plucky British styling that was unlike anything else on the road. That combination has helped make the Sprite Mk 1 a sought after collectible, but it hasn't inspired anyone to come up with a recreation of the car. Until now. Feast your eyes on the Norster 600R.

This, um, unique creation isn't actually billed as an automobile, slipping instead into the heavy quad classification in the European Union to beat pesky hang ups like crash test and emissions standards. Penned by designers in Finland and built in China, the Norster 600R uses a 580cc two-cylinder engine with a whopping 20 horsepower and 36.8 pound-feet of torque. You aren't going to be taking the checkers at Le Mans with the Chery-sourced powerplant, especially considering the 1,150-pound unladen weight. Of course, the upswing of such a tiny engine is that the Norster can happily put along at around 50 mpg U.S.

At least there's that.

If you've suffered an aneurism recently and find yourself smitten with this multinational mid-engine creation, you can hop over to the Norster site for more information. Thanks for the tip, Tomi!

Gallery: Norster 600R

[Source: Nordian Commerce]

Norster 600R is a Finnish designed, Chinese built, British Frogeye throwback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chery and Fiat put alliance talks on hold

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Chery, Fiat

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

REPORT: Chinese government approves of Chery's bid to purchase Volvo

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Volvo, Chery, Rumormill

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

Spy Shots: Chery A6 Coupe spotted near Lotus Headquarters

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, China, Europe, Hatchback, Chery

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

Chery to launch S16 "mini sedan"

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Chery

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

Spy Shots: Chery Tiggo5 takes aim at X5, Touareg

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, China, Chery

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

Chrysler and Chery quit talking about small car

Chris Tutor — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: China, Chrysler, Dodge, Chery

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

Chrysler's deal with Chery on hold

Michael Harley — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chrysler, Chery

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

Chery to begin production of budget hybrid this year

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, China, Green, Chery

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