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GM officially unveils Sail Springo EV at China auto show

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First, we thought it was going to be called the Sail EV. Then we thought it'd be the Springo EV. Now we know that the first electric vehicle developed by Shanghai General Motors, the partnership between GM and SAIC, will officially be called the Sail Springo EV. So, that's settled.

Shanghai GM also settled on a few more things when it unveiled the Sail Springo EV at the Guangzhou Auto Show recently. The car, which is being co-developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), will be priced at the equivalent of about $40,000 US, though buyers may be able to knock that down by about $16,000 between incentives from the central Chinese and local Shanghai governments.

As far as performance, the Sail Springo will deliver about 113 horsepower and will be able to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 10 seconds. Top speed is about 80 miles per hour, if you're into that sort of thing. And the car will take about seven hours to recharge from a 220-volt charging station.

The concept version of the Sail Springo EV was first shown off two years ago. Check out Shanghai GM's press release below.
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Shanghai General Motors Introduces Sail SPRINGO EV at Auto Guangzhou 2012

2012-11-22

First production electric vehicle developed by a Chinese joint venture
Will initially be sold in Shanghai for RMB 258,000
SHANGHAI – At today's opening of Auto Guangzhou 2012, Shanghai General Motors announced the launch of its first localized new energy vehicle, the Sail SPRINGO EV, which will be sold for RMB 258,000.

The Sail SPRINGO EV was developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), making it the first production electric vehicle created by a Chinese joint venture. The pure electric vehicle meets the highest global electric vehicle standards, using the latest industry battery and electric drive technology.

Targeting customers who are environmentally conscious, the high-performance electric vehicle reflects Shanghai GM's long-term commitment to produce vehicles that consume zero fuel and generate zero tailpipe emissions. A limited number will initially be sold starting in Shanghai as part of a trial program to enable Shanghai GM to better understand Chinese consumers' preferences and user habits for electric vehicles.

"Production of the Sail SPRINGO EV is an important milestone in Shanghai GM's 'Drive to Green' product strategy," said Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming. "It demonstrates Shanghai GM's success in the pursuit of electrification and other eco-friendly technologies for the benefit of our customers."

A Clean and Quiet Driving Experience

The Sail SPRINGO EV is well suited for urban environments. Its pure electric propulsion system delivers an exceptional driving experience that rivals traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The vehicle's electric motor produces minimal sound, for a distinctly peaceful commute.

Based off a new electric vehicle architecture developed by Shanghai GM in conjunction with PATAC, the Sail SPRINGO EV has an emissions-free propulsion system. Its permanent magnet electric motor is capable of producing 85 kW of power and up to 510 Nm of torque, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h from a standing start in just over 10 seconds. Pushing the Sport button provides a 20 percent boost in acceleration at the beginning and middle of the torque curve compared to pressing the accelerator in a gasoline-powered vehicle. The top speed is 130 km/h. Its stability during high-speed cruising and cornering is optimized by a new tailored full-frame chassis with an enhanced stabilizer bar and a finely tuned suspension.

Long Range and Low Energy Consumption

The Sail SPRINGO EV's battery and electric drive technology were developed based on the most advanced global electric vehicle standards for maximum energy efficiency. The result is an exceptionally long electric range of 130 km under a variety of road conditions and 200 km at a constant speed of 60 km/h, which is sufficient to meet the daily needs of most people living in urban areas.

The Sail SPRINGO EV consumes less than 15 kWh for every 100 km, which is less than most electric vehicles currently on the market. The Sail SPRINGO EV costs just RMB 4.6 per 100 km to drive when charged during lower-cost off-peak hours (between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.).

The secret to its energy efficiency is a system that combines an advanced battery liquid cooling system, an innovative motor efficiency optimizer, a rechargeable energy storage system mated to a low gear design, and low-rolling resistance tires. More balanced power output with regenerative braking helps keep energy consumption at the lowest level.

A User-Friendly Experience

The Sail SPRINGO EV is environmental and user friendly, with a host of advanced vehicle telematics. It can be charged using a 3.3-kW charging station or a standard household outlet. It takes approximately seven hours for the battery to be fully charged using a dedicated 220V connection. There are three charging modes available: immediate charging, time delay charging, and time delay and rate charging. This enables customers to choose the charging option that fits their needs.

Vehicle charging can also be managed and monitored remotely using a smart phone mobile app provided by Shanghai OnStar. Owners can use the app to perform a range of functions remotely, such as starting the vehicle's heater or air conditioner. OnStar's service system also carries out remote vehicle monitoring and analysis of other vehicle systems, and provides drivers with additional vehicle information such as tire pressure. If abnormal data is detected, the OnStar system will immediately contact the owner to provide safety information and instructions.

Yet another feature allows owners to check energy usage and remaining charge level with a touch of the Energy Leaf button. A color display, multimedia entertainment system and information display center with a 7-inch high-definition dual touchscreen offer drivers and passengers an easy-to-use interactive experience.

World-Class Safety Through Extensive Testing

A world-class safety design protects Sail SPRINGO EV occupants in the event of a collision. The vehicle passed an extensive array of more than 20 collision tests during its development to verify its safety.

Developed to meet the strictest global electric vehicle safety standards, the Sail SPRINGO EV fully complies with safety requirements for pure electric vehicles in China. Its newly designed front and rear anti-collision beams made from ultra-high strength steel and its strong and comprehensive body structure protect the battery pack in the event of a collision. The battery pack and powertrain have performed normally after rigorous testing in various conditions.

Qualification for Government Incentives and a Free License Plate in Shanghai

All of Shanghai GM's new energy vehicles, including the Sail SPRINGO EV, will be sold through an exclusive "Drive to Green" sales network. The first showroom is expected to open in the first half of 2013 in Shanghai. The exclusive sales and aftersales service network will be expanded to key new energy vehicle demo cities based on local market conditions and the development of the new energy vehicle industry and charging infrastructure.

Buyers of the Sail SPRINGO EV in Shanghai will enjoy incentives of up to RMB 60,000 from the central government and RMB 40,000 from the Shanghai government. In addition, the car will qualify for a free local Shanghai license plate exclusively for electric vehicles.

The Sail SPRINGO EV will come with a vehicle warranty of three years or 80,000 km, as well as a battery warranty of five years or 100,000 km. Until the "Drive to Green" sales network is established, Shanghai GM's Buick and Chevrolet service centers will provide Sail SPRINGO EV owners door-to-door service and exclusive steward service for a worry-free driving and maintenance experience.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 12 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 35,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2011, GM sold more than 2.5 million vehicles in China. It has been a sales leader among global automakers in the market for several years. More information on General Motors in China can be found at GM Media Online.

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