Brilliance Auto to launch self-developed SUV in 2011

Shanghai October 27 (Gasgoo.com) Following the launch of the 10-person microbus Huachen Jinbei Haishi H2L, Brilliance Auto Group will launch in October 2011 its self-developed SUV in China, carrying a price tag between 155,800 yuan-189,800 yuan ($23,300-$28,400), its chairman Qi Yumin recently said in an interview with auto.ifeng.com.

When asked about the company's "12 5" five-year development plan, Qi said Brilliance will make great efforts to develop special, modified and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) during 2011 and 2015.

Shanghai Shenhua Nuoyu Medical Auto Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Brilliance Auto Group, signed an agreement with Austria's Dlouhy GmbH Fahrzeugbau on July 15 to set up a joint venture in Shanghai to expand the special vehicle business and modified vehicle business in the Chinese market.

Brilliance will establish two special vehicle companies, one in Shenyang, the other in Shanghai, along with 30 small-scale plants, in the future, Qi said, adding that the company will occupy local markets using mainly local resources.

Different from Brilliance's other SUV models, the new SUV will be built on Jinbei bus platform, manufactured at the plant of Shenyang Brilliance Jinbei Automobile, Co. and sold through Jinbei dealers.

In addition, a widening version of the Jinbei Haishi H2L is under development in the company and more models sharing the same platform will be developed to cover more segments, Qi revealed, adding that Brilliance will also launch the second, third and even fourth generation of the Jinbei Haishi H2L minibus in the domestic market.