Gasgoo.com (Shanghai September 8) - Changan Mazda's first own brand vehicle project, codenamed C401, has officially begun, the Beijing Times reported today. The announcement signifies the beginning of joint development between both enterprises.
The C401 will reportedly be a compact car based on the Mazda3 (pictured). It is rumored to be priced lower than the Mazda3. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) turned down Changan Mazda's application to establish a joint venture independent of Changan Ford last May due to the joint venture's lack of an own brand project. Sources from the JV comment that new C401 project, which is planned to be completed at the end of this year, is Changan Mazda's response to the NDRC.
