Dongfeng to mass-produce hybrid cars in Wuhan

Shanghai, October 9 (Gasgoo.com) Dongfeng Electric Vehicle Co, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Co, said it will roll out its own-brand hybrid car by the beginning of 2009 in Wuhan, targeting sales of 5,000 units for the year, xinhuanet,com reported yesterday, citing executives of Dongfeng Electric Vehicle Co.

Currently Dongfeng Electric Vehicle Co. has finished the research and development of a function hybrid sample and a performance hybrid sample. The company plans to launch Micro-Hybrid programme by the beginning of next year, which will add a control system onto ordinary vehicles for saving fuel at 5% to 7% by increasing cost for each vehicle by 3,000 yuan ($440).

If the market comes up to expectation, the company will further launch its Micro and Higher Hybrid programme, which the cost for each vehicle will increase by 30,000 yuan, aiming to save fuel up to 30%.

At present China’s hybrid market covers Toyota’s Prius, selling at 259,800 yuan-279,800 yuan, and Honda’s Civic, priced at 269,800 yuan. Industry insiders said the hybrid vehicle may find it difficult to reach common Chinese families for its high price.

The Prius only targets to sell 1000 units this year, and Civic is also expected to sell 200 units for the year.