China's auto makers aim at low-end race car

Since Jinhua Neoplan Vehicles Co signed cooperation agreement with Proton to manufacture Lotus race car last month, more Chinese private auto-maker began to take an active interest in developing race cars.

Brilliance Auto M3, Chery M14, BYD F8 will enter race car market in the near future. Other carmakers, Hafei Group, Haima and Lifan are also preparing to launch their own race car programs.

Race car represents best technology and best performance in auto manufacturing industry. The interests in race cars by China's private automakers indicate their desire for a better brand image, auto analysts said.

"Making money is not our primary goal in developing Brilliance Auto M3," said a spoken person from Brilliance Auto. "Our real goal is to promote our brand image."

"We are aware of the technology gap between foreign automakers and us," said a senior official from Geely. "However, had we not taken the first step, we would never have the chance to catch up with them."

The prices of most China made race cars are below  RMB 200,000 and that's affordable to many affluent Chinese families.

"China-made Lotus race car, which will make debut in December, will be sold at RMB 150,000," said a spoken person from Jinhua Neoplan Vehicle. "Neoplan imports Lotus auto parts and assemble race cars in Shandong."