Berichten in October 2010
Electric auto output in China to surpass 1 million by 2020: report
Published on October 19, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
China continues to be overly optimistic about electric cars, even though today sales of electric and hybrids are very very low. China misses the infrastructure for charging on the road. Most Chinese people who live in the cities can’t charge at home either bacause 99% lives in high-rise appartments. But 10 years is a lot, especially in China.
The government however is focussing on subsidies for buyers instead of infrastructure. Those might help a bit but won’t make 1 million. The goal for October 2011 is 150.000, output today isn’t exactly sure but no more than 25.000. From GlobalTimes:
“The nation’s output of electric vehicles is expected to reach 1 million units by 2020, the official Xinhua News Agency said Saturday, citing a senior government official.
Green vehicles are key to the development of China’s auto industry as auto exhaust emissions already account for 70 percent of the country’s air pollution in major Chinese cities, Wan Gang, Minister of Science and Technology, was quoted as saying. Wan did not project the country’s overall vehicle output by 2020.
A very Lucky man in China
Published on October 19, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
A Maybach 62S in a Chinese city. Numberplate reads five 8′s. Eight is considered a lucky number in China and plates with ’8′ are in high demand, the five-8 was likely very expensive. But problably worth it, the lucky man now just eeds to sit back in his supercar and wait for more luck falling from the sky.
MG6 Saloon Launched in Shanghai
Published on October 18, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
The MG6 Saloon (sedan) was launched today at the UK Pavillion on the Shanghai Expo. It will be sold in China and the UK alongside the MG6 hatchback. The MG6 Saloon is, like the hatchback, based on the Roewe 550. It got an MG-front, MG-back and a sportier interior. 1.8 turbo engine is the same as in the 550 and MG6 hatchback. MG is still trying to get a diesel for the UK-market. Price starts around 128.000 and ends around 192.000, almost exactly similar to the hatch. Pics:
Official: Jiangling Yusheng SUV
Published on October 18, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
Jiangling Motor Corporation (JMC, aka ‘Jiangling’) officially released two pictures of the new Yusheng SUV, and, one must say, it is a very nice looking machine. Big but modern, high on its wheels, nice styling up front and overall an original design.
BYD fined, buildings confiscated
Published on October 18, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
BYD built a factory on land it didn’t legally own. This happens a lot in China and usually the land-ownership can be settled easily after construction on that land has started or even later when a factory is ready. In BYD’s case however autorities decided to uphold to the letter of the law.
This can have several reasons: BYD did something that annoyed the government, or the government uses BYD as an example in a campaign to enforce existing laws more strictly, this kind of campains comes and goes but never makes much difference… See below for the very short press release from the Chinese government, via GlobalTimes:
“China’s Ministry of Land and Resources said Wednesday it will fine BYD Co 2.9 million yuan ($434,600) and close several buildings on land the company used illegally in Shaanxi Province.
BYD started construction on the land from December 2009 and has built roads and seven buildings there, including plants and an employee dormitory.”
MG6 Saloon to Debut at October 18
Published on October 15, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
MG will launch the MG6 Saloon at the UK Pavillion on the Shanghai Expo on October 18. The MG6 hatchback debuted last year. Both sixes are based on the Roewe 550 sedan. The MG6 will get an MG’ed front, MG alloys and a slightly more sporty interior.
Zotye Langyue Listed and Priced
Published on October 14, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
One of the ugliest cars ever made is making a come back in China. Fiat sold the Multipla platform to Zotye who changed the Fiat engines for a single Mitsubishi sourced 103hp 1.6 and called it the ‘Langyue’. Price starts at 69.800 yuan and ends at 89.800. ‘Unique’ 3+3 seat configuration remains, stangely however the Langyue is also available as a 2+3 without the extra seat up front. Well, we wish Zotye the best with this thing but we don’t expect any more success than Fiat had in Europe.
Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 Turbo to Arrive in November
Published on October 14, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
Shanghai-GM will launch a turbocharged ‘Cruze T’ in November. It will get the well known Ecotec 1.6 Turbo under the bonnet, mated to a 6-speed manual and good for 180hp and 230nm. The Cruze T gets sporty accents inside and out, price will start around 160.000 yuan.
Spy Shots: Jinbei SUV
Published on October 14, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
Jinbei is one of China’s largest minibus makers, it is a subsidiary of Brilliance which has a joint venture with BMW. Jinbei wants more than only minibuses and will soon roll out this new medium sized suv. It will cost between 100.000 and 150.000 yuan and arrive in an already very crowded market. Jinbei will likely go for 2.0 and 2.4 Mitsubishi-sourced engines. The yet nameless suv is expected to hit the market somewhere in the first half of 2011.
Spotted in China: a Mercedes-Benz ML But it is Not
Published on October 7, 2010 by Tycho de Feyter
Parked near my house in Beijing. One would think a boring Benz ML but it is much better; it is a fake boring Benz ML, there is a Huanghai Qisheng SUV underneath. Conversion well done, but actually it wasn’t so much work as might appear.
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