Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/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/<![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[VIDEO: Drifting on a budget the Chang'an Motors way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/video-drifting-on-a-budget-the-changan-motors-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/video-drifting-on-a-budget-the-changan-motors-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/video-drifting-on-a-budget-the-changan-motors-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

A few years ago, drifting took the motorsports world by storm... and while its momentum seems to have cooled a bit, virtually everyone can appreciate the knife-edged balance of throttle and steering needed to execute a yawning slide. That appreciation has extended all the way to China, where a young man has converted his knock-kneed, skinny-tired Chang'an delivery truck into a purpose-built machine.

And why not? It's rear-drive, light weight, cheap, and reasonably robust. We dig the owner's enthusiasm, as well as his ingenuity and driving skill on China's slick mountain roads and in-town roundabouts. Check out the video after the jump (complete with a nod to Japan's Initial D anime series in the soundtrack), but remember: Kids, don't try this at home with Dad's new F-150.

[Chinasmack via China Car Times]

Continue reading VIDEO: Drifting on a budget the Chang'an Motors way

VIDEO: Drifting on a budget the Chang'an Motors way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car controlCarControlchanganChinese carschinese trucksChineseCarsChineseTrucksdriftdriftingMon, 16 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chinese expect to build cars in Mexico in 2010, may sell cars at big-box retailers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/report-chinese-expect-to-build-cars-in-mexico-in-2010-may-sell/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/report-chinese-expect-to-build-cars-in-mexico-in-2010-may-sell/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/09/report-chinese-expect-to-build-cars-in-mexico-in-2010-may-sell/#commentsFiled under: ,



There seems to be little doubt that Chinese cars will hit the U.S. market some soon - the big question is when. At least one automaker is suggesting that Chinese cars will enter America by way of Mexico, with production starting in 2010 and sales in the United States by 2015 after first making the rounds in Latin America and Canada. That date may have been sooner had we not hit such a nasty global economic crisis.

Perhaps the most interesting part of this scenario would be the distribution chain. Instead of using franchised dealerships, Mexican-built Chinese cars could be sold at large retail chains like CostCo and Walmart. GS Motors, the Mexican distributor for China's FAW brand, is already trialing this strategy in Mexico and would likely do the same in the States, assuming the program proves successful in smaller markets.

[Source: Gasgoo]

REPORT: Chinese expect to build cars in Mexico in 2010, may sell cars at big-box retailers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinese carchinese carsChineseCarChineseCarsfawfirst auto worksfirst automobile worksFirstAutomobileWorksFirstAutoWorksgs motorsGsMotorsmexican carsMexicanCarsMon, 09 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Brilliance releases $15k BC3 turbo coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/brilliance-releases-15k-bc3-turbo-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/brilliance-releases-15k-bc3-turbo-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/brilliance-releases-15k-bc3-turbo-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above image for more views of the Brilliance BC3

You probably don't remember this car, but we do. It's the Brilliance BC3, shown to the public for the first time in Geneva last March and now officially on sale in China. The BC3 is somewhat special because it is the first sports car developed entirely in-house by the Chinese automaker, which also plans to export the car to Europe, and maybe even the U.S. There's a lot of crash testing that needs to be done before that happens, but Brilliance has lately picked up its game when it comes to safety.

Pricing will start at just below $15,000 and go up to $21,400. It's powered by a 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 170 HP and can be mated with a five-speed standard tranny or four-speed auto. 0-60 MPH comes in a leisurely 9.7 seconds, but we suppose that may be considered fast for those accustomed to the congested streets of Beijing. The styling is actually not that bad and reminds us a bit of the Hyundai Tiburon, like if someone mashed the second- and third-generation Tibs together.

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: Brilliance BC3

Brilliance releases $15k BC3 turbo coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Businessweek reports that Brilliance (yes, that Brilliance) plans to have cars (possibly the Saibao, above) for sale in the U.S. next year for around $20,000. Phoenix, Arizona-based Autokam is behind the import plan and a Flash animation on their Web page says to expect Brilliance products this fall.

Digging around a bit on Autokam's Web site you'll find an Oct. 2006 article from "Dealer" magazine where Autokam founder David Shelburg talks about the status of crash and emissions tests and the difficulties of importing Chinese-made cars. Shelburg also shares his candid opinion of "Automotive News" publisher and editor in chief Keith Crain. "I'm not going to get along with that SOB if it kills me."

[Sources: Businessweek via China Car Times, Autokam, Dealer magazine, ChinaCar USA]

Continue reading Brilliance to get a 2008 U.S. debut?

Brilliance to get a 2008 U.S. debut? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've had our fun with Chinese-designed cars before, but it looks like someone over at Roewe knows what makes a decent-looking car.

Roewe is expected to officially introduce its W2 concept later this month at the Shanghai Auto Show. Though officially a concept, Internet rumors indicate production later this year, though probably without the fancy LED touch screen control module in the center stack. Hopefully, though, the transformation from concept to reality will leave intact the car's stylish lines and handsome interior. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until the April 22 Shanghai show for more details.

Click through to the gallery for a couple more photos.

[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Gallery: Roewe W2 Concept

Roewe W2 concept a Chinese delight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>china carsChinaCarschinese carsChineseCarsroeweroewe conceptroewe W2RoeweConceptRoeweW2roverMon, 16 Apr 2007 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[TVR's trademarks swiped from teenage Russian owner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/08/tvrs-trademarks-swiped-from-teenage-russian-owner/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/08/tvrs-trademarks-swiped-from-teenage-russian-owner/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/08/tvrs-trademarks-swiped-from-teenage-russian-owner/#commentsFiled under:

The iconic British auto brand TVR will almost certainly not be making any more vehicles in the U.K. Instead, as the Independent reports, future models will most likely be built in Asia. Why? Because, Nikolai Smolensky, known as the "Baby oligarch," split off an administration arm from the company late last year. Just last Friday, that arm put the TVR name and some of it's tooling up for sale. Interested parties, apparently, include low-cost
Asian companies.

This is something that has been happening to many storied motorcycle brands as of late, including Benelli, and some fabled car marques as well, such as MG. Will we be seeing any new models from TVR, and if we do, will they be Asian, Russian or British? Got us... wait and see right?

[Source: the Independent]

TVR's trademarks swiped from teenage Russian owner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AsianBaby oligarchBabyOligarchBenelliChinese carsChineseCarslow cost carsLowCostCarsMG RoverMgRoverNikolai SmolenskyNikolaiSmolenskyTVRThu, 08 Feb 2007 07:29:00 EST<![CDATA[GM forecasts 20+ percent growth in China, but Chinese competition lies ahead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/21/gm-forecasts-20-percent-growth-in-china-but-chinese-competitio/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/21/gm-forecasts-20-percent-growth-in-china-but-chinese-competitio/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/21/gm-forecasts-20-percent-growth-in-china-but-chinese-competitio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

General Motors is revising its sales forecast for China this year - upward. Thanks to a booming economy, GM China Group president Kevin Wale projects sales growth "significantly more" than GM's earlier forecast of 20 percent. GM is the market leader in China, with a 12 percent share.

Wales sees strong growth in the Chinese market through 2015. Despite the expanding market, profits are being held down by manufacturing overcapacity and intense competition - two factors which are predicted to drive Chinese manufacturers into overseas markets.

Years of manufacturing joint ventures with companies like GM, Ford and Volkswagen have given Chinese companies the skills and technologies to launch their own brands, targeted at a global market. A DaimlerChrysler executive told Reuters that he sees Chinese cars entering the U.S. market in three to five years, and appearing in global markets in five to eight years.

Time will tell whether established automakers have taken short-term gains at the expense of future competition in their home markets. Certainly some Chinese auto industry insiders think their industry faces an uphill struggle to develop their own exportable products - check out this BusinessWeek interview for some food for thought.

[Source: Reuters]

GM forecasts 20+ percent growth in China, but Chinese competition lies ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychina exportchinese carschinese exportchinese marketgeelysaicWed, 21 Jun 2006 19:59:00 EST