Gasgoo.com (Shanghai July 24) - Guangqi Toyota will be bringing over seven new models to China between 2013 and 2015, xcar.com.cn reported today, citing a statement made by Sales Director He Xianqing. Mr. He added that the joint venture will put a great deal of effort in marketing the CR-Z Hybrid and Fit Hybrid, the latter of which is scheduled to come to the country at the end of the year.
The upcoming Fit Hybrid (pictured) shares the same dimensions as the standard version, measuring 3.9 m long, 1.69 m wide and 1.52 m high. The grille design is modified and the headlights now sport blue highlights, while the rear has additional chrome detailing. The tires have shrunk from 15 inches to 14 inches.
The Fit Hybrid is powered by a 1.3 L gasoline engine, which boasts a maximum output of 88 hp and can produce up to 121 Nm of torque, mated to a 14 hp electric motor. The Fit Hybrid also employs the Integrated Motor Assist system used in the Honda Insight. The car consumes only 3.6 L of fuel for every 100 km driven, an amount which can be further reduced with the Eco Assist option.
Mr. He also mentioned Guangqi Honda's goal to expand its sales operations from first- and second-tier cities to third- and fourth- ones over the next few years. According to Mr. He, Guangqi Honda's second tier dealerships played a crucial role in making sure the JV's total sales in the first half of the year reached 176,000 units. The JV's sales grew 14 percent over the six month period, double the industry average.
