China Auto News of the Week (Apr. 20 - Apr. 24, 2009)

Shanghai, April 24 (Gasgoo.com) BYD Auto Co is debuting the M6 MPV, along with the other eight car models, at 2009 Shanghai auto show.

The M6 measures 4,808 in length, 1,800mm in width and 1,756 in height, with a 2,950 wheelbase. It will be powered by a Mitsubishi 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a BYD's own developed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Both engines meet the Euro IV emission standard. The MPV is set to go on sale this September.

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China overtakes Germany, US in '08 auto output

Shanghai, April 23 (Gasgoo.com) German auto industry's latest figures show that China overtook Germany and the U.S. last year to have produced the world's biggest number of automobiles, xinhuanet.com reported today.

China became the world's largest car-producer in 2008, with a world market share of 17.2%, outranking Germany (14.7%) and the US (14.6%), the German association of car manufacturers VDMA revealed earlier this week. China's auto output hit 9.42 million units in 2008, up only 6% year on year, the slowest growth in recent years.

Nissan shows electric NUVU in Shanghai

Shanghai, April 23 (Gasgoo.com) Nissan Motor Co., Ltd is showcasing its complete lineup including the NUVU electric concept at the 13th International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Pudong, Shanghai.

The NUVU features unique 2+1 seating and measures just three meters in length. It is powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries and is fully zero-emission.

Dongfeng Honda debuts two models at SH show

Shanghai, April 22 (Gasgoo.com) Dongfeng Honda Auto Co. Ltd (Dongfeng Honda) displayed four models including a new upper-end sports sedan and an upgraded Civic hybrid and at the 13th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition that opened on April 20, 2009.

The company displayed for the first time the SR-9 currently in development. The S in the SR-9 represents Sporty Premium Sedan, and the R signifies the car is under research and development, and 9 is the largest digit.

Daimler holding talks with China wealth fund

Shanghai, April 22 (Gasgoo.com) Daimler is holding talks with Chinese sovereign wealth fund CIC over a possible investment by Beijing, reported Reuters, citing a German newspaper.

"We have met several times in the past, and talks have not in principle been broken off," Chief Executive Dieter Zetsche told German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Great Wall shows Hover M3 SUV in Shanghai

Shanghai, April 21 (Gasgoo.com) China's SUV-maker Great Wall Motor is displaying 12 own-brand models at the 2009 Shanghai auto show. These models include Hover M1, Hover H5 and Hover M3, a five-seat compact SUV, xinhuanet.com reported today.

Great Wall has unveiled the chunky, funky urban SUV model Hover M3 at the show. Reportedly based on the carmaker's Coolbear (a rip-off of Toyota's Scion xB), the production-bound Hover M3 adds some faux off-road capability to the former vehicle's boxy proportions.

Deluxe Geely GE shines at Shanghai show

Shanghai, April 21 (Gasgoo.com) Geely Auto has unveiled its luxury sedan model Geely GE, which may seem like a Rolls Royce ripoff, but it has one-upped the deluxe brand by featuring just one, throne-like seat, xinhuanet.com reported today.

Geely has created a full sized knock off Rolls Royce Phantom for the Chinese market. The 17.5-foot long executive mover comes loaded for high-flyers, complete with isolation glass and wool carpet just like a real Roller.

2010 Audi Q7 crossover debuts in Shanghai

Shanghai, April 20 (Gasgoo.com) The 2010 Audi Q7 crossover made its global debut at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show today.

The new Q7 features little styling changes, which include redesigned grille and bumpers, LED turn signals and daytime running lights, four new paint colors and new 18-inch alloy wheels.

Miller in Shanghai for new Chevrolet Cruze

Shanghai, April 20 (Gasgoo.com) 'Prison Break' star Wentworth Miller appears in Shanghai again to promote GM's new Chevrolet Cruze on Sunday. He came to Shanghai last month to shoot a commercial for Cruze. The star has drawn full media attention in the buildup to the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show that opens today.

SAIC launches Roewe N1 at Shanghai show

Shanghai, April 20 (Gasgoo.com) Shanghai Auto (SAIC) displayed the new Roewe N1 concept and Rover MG6 at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show today.

Both the Roewe N1 and the MG6 are said to be based on the midsize Roewe 550 platform, which in turn was derived from the earlier Rover 75 platform.