Great Wall Motor to launch 12 new models in '09

Shanghai, January 16 (Gasgoo.com) Great Wall Motor Co, China's largest maker and exporter of pickups and SUVs, plans to launch a total of 12 new models in 2009, including 4 sedan models, 5 SUV models and 3 pickup models, the official Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday.

The report said the automaker is set to release 4 fuel efficient sedan models this year, with a 1.5L Coolbear scheduled to go on sale in March, followed by the 1.3L and 1.5L Cross sedans in May and August. An all-new sedan model codenamed CH031 could be launched in October with 1.3L and 1.5L editions.

Great Wall Motor will also be launching a mini SUV in May, and a mid-sized SUV codenamed K5 in June, which is coming with 2.0L, 2.4L and 2.5L engines; an "X" SUV and a "Y" are to be launched in July and September respectively, both powered by 1.5L and 1.5L engines, a so-called "TK" SUV powered by 2.0L, 2.4L and 2.5L engines will go on sale in April.

Three new Great Wall pickup models are expected to hit the showrooms in the first half this year, with 4 Wingle diesel or fuel editions on sale in April and a 2.4L new pickup model to follow up in June.

The Chinese SVU maker made its foray into the small-car segment in March last year with the launch of its Peri sedan. Despite the global financial crisis, Great Wall Motor managed a sales growth to 125,000 units in 2008, according to the company.

The company's sales outlets reached 550 in China last year, up 25 percent from that in 2007, with the number of 4S outlets increasing 23 percent.