Chery, Geely to enter Australian market this year

Shanghai, February 3 (Gasgoo.com) China's Chery vehicles will be brought to Australia this year by local distributor Ateco. Meanwhile, WA-based outfit Chinese Automotive Distributors will soon introduce Chinese Geely cars to Australian buyers, Motor Report said today.

Ateco, which has already started managing China's Great Wall Motor brand locally, plans to launch Chery's A1 light-car in sedan and hatchback body-styles, along with the Tiggo3 compact SUV (locally known as the T11). It remains to be seen whether either car will keep their current names in Australia.

The first Geely offering to Australia will be the 1.5-liter MK light-car, expected to gain ADR certification next month. The MK will be followed by the larger 1.8-liter Emgrand EC7 small car and the 1.0-liter Panda city car (likely under a new name for Australia).

Chery's Tiggo3 compact SUV, a two-wheel-drive car only, will be offered with a drive-away price under $20,000. The Chery A1 will take on the Hyundai Getz in pricing, but will offer a four-door configuration and a higher specification level, Motor Report said.

Great Wall Motor will also join the regular passenger car sector in the Australian market by launching the 1.5-liter Peri light hatchback around July.