China auto news this week(2007.07.30-2007.08.04)

Let's take a look at the new models to be introduced to China. Mitsubishi Outlander EX, Chevrolet SUV, GM Buick Enclave, Chrysler Grand Voyager MPV and so on. Some of them are brand new models, some of them are modified models. No matter what, they are sure bo be the focus of the coming auto market.

The following are the top news this week:

Brand new Mitsubishi Outlander EX coming to China in Oct.
 
By Jorvan   From:www.gasgoo.com August 02 2007

News from Mitsubishi franchise dealers said that 2008 brand new Mitsubishi Outlander EX, a SUV model, will be introduced to the Chinese market in October. Dealers said the new SUV model will be sold at a price of 240,000 Yuan.

Earlier this year, Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co Ltd (BBDC) announced plans to halt production of Mitsubishi Motors' Outlander SUV starting next year following the expiration of a cooperation contract. However, the company will continue to provide full-scale after-sale services for Outlander customers in the next ten years or more.




Chevrolet SUV's re-enter into China
 
By Jorvan   From:www.gasgoo.com August 02 2007

"Chevrolet SUV will come to the Chinese market by the end of this year." said Sun Xiaodong, Shanghai GM marketing director.

"The new SUV is an Opel SUV model, but branded Chevrolet, and there are two versions: 2.4L and 3.2L engine for consumers to choose. Shanghai GM will not produce this model in China in the near future, and we will introduce the 2.4L SUV, and 3.2L SUV will be postponed due to its relatively high price." Said the director.

The prototype model of the Chevrolet SUV will be the Opel Antara. It will be powered by a V6 3.2L engine, and also will have ABS, and DSC standard. Currently the model is priced at about 27,000 euro in Europe.




GM Buick Enclave to be imported to China by year-end
 
By Ally   From:www.gasgoo.com July 31 2007

Sources say the Buick Enclave will be imported to China by the Buick division of General Motors before the end of this year.

Based on GM Lambda platform, the Enclave was previewed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, officially as a concept car, making it the first Lambda vehicle to be displayed. The Enclave later went on display at the Beijing Auto Show and started production in North America this April. Production of Rendezvous and Rainier SUV has been suspended following the launch of Enclave, which is the only SUV model under Buick brand for the present.

The Buick Enclave will be available in CX and CXL trim levels, with eight exterior and three interior colors, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, a new 275-horsepower V-6 powertrain featuring variable valve timing (VVT) and mated to Buick's first six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated dual-overhead camshaft engine based on GM's global V-6 architecture. It also features seating for at least six, and up to eight with a third row with a foot well, generous interior space, and either front- or all-wheel drive.

"Enclave is the new face of Buick and everything we want in future Buicks," said Steve Shannon, GM's General Manager for Buick. "It's an absolutely stunning, high-quality crossover SUV that delivers all the product attributes that define the new Buick – a confident ride, relevant technologies, more luxury features, elegant design and a quiet, comfortable and well-crafted interior. These are the hallmark traits of future Buicks."




Beijing Hyundai to develop six models within three years
 
By Jorvan   From:www.gasgoo.com July 31 2007

Beijing Hyundai recently disclosed they will begin developing its own models in the coming three years. This is the third auto maker to announce such plan so far, the former two being Guangzhou Honda and Shanghai VW.

"We have been developing these new models for a while, the models will be SUV's and sedan's." Said Xu Heyi, president of Beijing Hyundai.

The three new models will be launched successively at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, 2008 Olympics Games and the 60th anniversary of People's Republic of China. 

Meanwhile, Beijing Hyundai will increase investment into its two auto parts plants in Beijing.




Chrysler Grand Voyager MPV to be launched in China
 
By Ally   From:www.gasgoo.com July 30 2007

Chrysler Group recently said it plans to officially introduce the latest generation Chrysler Grand Voyager MPV into the Chinese market as of next year. The model has received five stars in NHTSA's safety ratings, a performance unmatched by Japan-made MPVs.

Earlier this year Chrysler Group announced that it would start to produce Dodge Grand Caravan MPV in China at Fujian-based Southeast Motor toward the end of this year.

The launch of the two models signified the great importance Chrysler has attached to MPV models. In addition, Grand Voyager and Grand Caravan share many parts and feature almost similar appearance, giving Chrysler a strong force in the MPV segment in China to compete with Toyota Previa and Nissan Quest.

In the first half year 107,000 MPVs were sold in China and the number is forecasted to reach 1 million in the near future.

Last month, PSA Peugeot-Citro?n and Chinese carmaker Hafei signed a memorandum of understanding to start a 50-50 joint venture that may launch high-end MPV products very soon. Guangzhou Toyota, a venture between Guangzhou Automobile, and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) are also reported to produce the Previa MPV as early as next year. With the launch of these models, the MPV market is expected to experience fierce competition on the forecast horizon.