First FAW Oley model to be built on Jetta platform

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai March 21) - The first model in Chinese manufacturer FAW Car's new own brand Oley is confirmed to be based on VW's Jetta PQ32 platform, Economic Observer News reported today.

Manufacture of the Oley sedan (pictured) recently began at FAW Car's production site in Changchun, Jilin. It is powered by a new independently manufactured 1.5 L engine. The sedan will make its official market debut at this next month's Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, with a price tag between 70,000 yuan and 100,000 yuan ($11,077-$15,825). A new hatchback model is reportedly also in the works.

While using the Jetta platform will help cut production costs while ensuring technological superiority, there are some industry analysts who worry that using a foreign platform might negatively influence FAW's claim of producing a wholly Chinese vehicle.

Oley was announced by FAW Car at last year's Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, and following the Hongqi, Besturn, Xiali and Weizhi marquees, is FAW's fifth own brand. Oley aims to provide sporty, fashionable and creative designs, and will reportedly be aimed at younger consumers.