Shanghai, November 4 (Gasgoo.com) "After 4 years' R&D, New Chevrolet Sail, the first own-brand vehicle of Shanghai GM, has completed the testing proceeding and is ready to be launched," Ding Lei, general manager of Shanghai GM has told the reporter from Xinhua News.
The New Sail is due to be the first vehicle produced by a Chinese auto joint venture, with independent intellectual property rights. This success marks the breakthrough of domestic own brand R&D, easing the impasse that core technologies are entirely controlled by overseas automakers.
The current joint ventures in Chinese auto market, accounting for 70% market share, counts on the oversea technologies, and some are even reduced to production assembly plants. Lack of own brand labels is a widespread problem challenging Chinese auto companies.
The New Sail is a compact sedan to target at family consumers with its stylish look, comfortable space and fuel efficiency. With an engine of 1.6 or 1.4 liters, the total fuel consumption per kilometer is expected to reach only 5.7 liters.
