Geely Auto to launch Eagle Cross model in H2

Shanghai, April 7 (Gasgoo.com) About one year after the global debut of its Eagle Panda minicar, private Chinese carmaker Geely Auto will launch the Cross model of its Eagle series in late 2009, said xinhuanet.com today.

Geely Auto said it has completed the development of its Eagle Cross version and will put it into volume production soon. There is no big change in the chassis, powe-rtrain and many other aspects, only with some different exterior look and interior decoration.

Some Cross elements have been added to the car body of the Eagle Cross to make this vehicle look more sporty and dynamic. The top is fitted with the luggage rack and the rear is equipped with the spoiler. In the interior deco, the Geely eagle Cross has included some sporty design. The chairs in red and white have their covering made of more breathable fabric.

A Geely insider said that this Eagle Cross is likely to be launched in the second half of this year. Its retail price will be a bit higher than the ordinary Geely Eagle which is priced at 53,800 yuan ($7,880) to 66,800 yuan.

Up to now, Geely Auto has released only one model of its Eagle series -- Panda minicar. By the end of this year, the carmaker will launch two more Eagle models: the Panda 1.0L and Eagle Cross.

Geely Auto aims to sell 50,000 Eagle-brand vehicles in 2009, with Geely Panda minicar's sales forecasted to top 30,000 units. The company will set up 150 or so 4S stores for its Eagle series.