Geely Emgrand EC718 shines at Hangzhou show

Shanghai, October 23 (Gasgoo.com) Geely Holding Group Co released the Emgrand EC718 sedan model yesterday at the Hangzhou International Auto Expo. The sedan is priced from 82,800 yuan ($12,100) to 111,800 yuan, the Global Times reported.

The Emgrand EC718 is the first "global model" independently developed by Geely. It is designed by European and American standards and regarded as the symbol for Geely strategy restructuring. The EC718 is ready for mass production in Geely's Ningbo plant in Zhejiang province.

Featured with a 1.8L in-line four cylinder engine CTTV4G18 and a 5-speed manual transmission, this model can reach a maximum of 102kW power and 172Nm torque. The highest speed is 185 km/h. The sedan measures 4,635mm x 1,789mm x 1,470mm, with a 2,650mm wheelbase.

As the first model of the Geely Emgrand EC7 series, the Emgrand EC718 sedan was delivered to the market in mid-August and more than 2,500 units were sold within a month. The Emgrand EC718-RV hatchback will also go to the market soon.

To broaden its vehicle range and price spectrum, Geely has created three sub-brands: entry-level Gleagle, mainstream Emgrand, and premium Shanghai Englon which also has the controversial Geely GE, a Rolls-Royce Phantom-like model.

The Hangzhou International Auto Industry Exhibition kicked off yesterday at the Hangzhou Convention and Exhibition Center, in the provincial capital of Zhejian. About 3,600 vehicles may be presented at the show, which will run through next Monday.