Geely to roll out high-end Dihao models in mid-'09

Shanghai, December 1 (Gasgoo.com) Geely Auto is planning to roll out the FC-3 and FC-2, a hatchback and a sedan models of the automaker's upcoming high-end Imperial (Dihao) brand by the mid-2009, Beijing News said, citing Geely senior officials.

At the recent 2008 Guangzhou Auto Show, Geely Auto launched its small car Panda and other two new models code-named FC-2, FC-3, a hatchback and a sedan versions as the first high-end Imperial brand models. The two models will go on sale in June 2009, priced at about 100,000 yuan ($14,598), Geely senior officials said.

The FC-3 and FC-2 reportedly will be produced in Geely's Ningbo plant. The automaker has just moved its Vision production line to its facility in Xiangtan, Hunan from Ningbo. According to Geely Institute president Zhao Fuquan, a new production line is being built in the Ningbo plant for manufacturing FC-2 and FC-3, which will share the platform with Geely Vision (code-named FC-1). The two new models will be powered by Geely's latest in-house developed 1.8L double VVT JL4G18 engine.

Targeting at the American and European markets, the FC-3 has met Europe IV emission standards and other safety standards as well as the entry policy of those markets. The FC-2 has also met Euro V emission standards. FC-2 is also likely to be offered 2.0L and 2.2L diesel engines, which are still under development by Geely, Zhao disclosed.