Chrysler Signs MoU with China’s Great Wall (Clone) Motors

Chrysler LLC said that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China's Great Wall Motor to explore the viability of a long-term strategic relationship in various areas including distribution networks, components and technology. Neither company provided details about the agreement. Notably, Chrysler has already formed a relationship with another Chinese manufacturer, Chery Automobile for the development, production and distribution of small and sub-compact vehicles.

Now, for those of you wondering why we hailed the Chinese automaker as Great Wall “Clone” Motors in the title, we remind you that Great Wall produces a great number of vehicles that literally copy Japanese and European car designs, including the “GWPERI” Fiat Panda (pictured above) and the Scion-esque Cool Bear and Florid prototypes (pictured right). Hopefully the Chinese copy-maker won’t get any crazy ideas about creating the Challenger “California Dreaming”… -More pics after the jump

NAC MG TF Pricing Announced – More Expensive Than an MX-5!

Chinese carmaker NAC MG has announced UK pricing for its British built TF LE500. The mid-engined, rwd roadster that's due to arrive in dealerships across Britain this September has been priced at 16,399 GBP (that's $32,700 or EUR 20,600 with the current exchange rates). For that money you get a 136Hp 1.8-liter engine and several standard amenities like air-condition, ABS, leather seats, windstop, 16-inch alloy wheels, a body colored hardtop, parking sensors and a Pioneer MP3 compatible CD / radio.

But we ask; more than 16,000 pounds for a car that's practically a facelifted version of the original MG TF that was introduced in 1995? That's a lot for a car that was already outdated compared to its rivals when it went out of production in 2005, let alone in 2008. For example, prices for the Mazda MX-5 1.8 start from 15,750 pounds while you can get a nicely equipped MX-5 1.8 Icon for 16,825 pounds. We drove the last TF130 back in 2005, and while the MG had its fun side, even then, it showed its age in more ways than one.

BMW Wins Court Order to Ban Sales of Chinese X5 Clone in Germany

In a decision that might set the example for similar cases in the near future, a court in Munich, Germany ruled that China Automobile Deutschland GmbH’s Shuanghuan SCEO SUV infringes BMW's design rights as it’s appearance clearly resembles that of the previous generation X5 SUV.

The Munich Regional Court ruling not only prohibits the importer from selling the SUV in German but it also decided that the China Automobile Deutschland GmbH must destroy all models it still has in its possession. Although China Automobile Deutschland GmbH plans to appeal against the court ruling, sources from Germany state that a change of mind is extremely difficult in this case.

Toyota RAV4 & BMW X5 Chinese Clones Go On Sale in Germany

Nearly a year after China Automobile Deutschland made its European debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Munich-based importer announced today that it has began sales of its SCEO and UFO SUVs at 80 dealerships across Germany. Both models have caused quite a stir in Europe as the Mitsubishi Pajero based Shuanghuan SCEO’s appearance resembles the first generation BMW X5 while the UFO DR is essentially a clone of the previous Toyota RAV4.

The X5-inspired SCEO that’s equipped with a 125Hp 2.4-liter petrol engine goes on sale in Germany with a base price of €25,900 or about $40,700 (including 19% tax). That’s a far cry from the inexpensive cars that we were all expecting from China. For example, a 152Hp 2.0-liter base Toyota RAV4 will set you back €26,600 in Germany. What would you buy?

On the other hand, the UFO is priced significantly lower at €15,990 or $25,000. The Chinese RAV4 clone is offered in Germany with two petrol units, a 129Hp 2.0-liter and a 136Hp 2.4-liter engine. Not that we'd ever be tempted to buy a clone, but at €16k, the UFO doesn't seem out of this world, does it...

Squashed Citroen C-Triomphe Makes it out Alive from Chinese Earthquake

The Citroen C-Triomphe (sedan version of the C4 hatchback) pictured above was one of the less significant causalities of the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit central China earlier this month. Nevertheless, it is amazing –and horrifying at the same time- that the owner (?) of the car was actually able to drive it on the road despite the heavy damages. -One more pic after the jump

Pics: XKB , Via: CCT

Daewoo to Import Custom-Made Chinese Cars in Korea

GM’s Korean subsidiary Daewoo is planning to import tailored-made vehicles for its home market from China within the next two to three years according to an announcement made by the company’s CEO, Lee Dong-ho. To make things spicier, Lee said that Daewoo will not design the cars itself, but instead it will commission medium-sized Korean firms that already design cars for Chinese carmakers to do the work.

“With help of these firms, we plan to commission production of cars that reflect the taste of Korean consumers with existing Chinese car models,” said Lee. “Just like large distributors supply goods at reduced price by creating their own brands, we can do the same thing with cars.” -Continued

Daewoo’s ultimate goal with this move is to shift the company’s current manufacturer-centred market structure into a merchandiser and consumer-centred one. In terms of what models will be imported to Korea, Lee noted that Daewoo is mainly interested in fuel-efficient small cars, minivans and large vans capable of transferring 15 or more passengers. (Pic: Carscoop)

Via: Chosun

Chinese-Made Dodge Breeze Scooped

Chrysler LLC’s Chinese-built minicar, the Dodge Breeze which is basically a rebadged Chery A1, has been caught… red-handed. As you can see in these scoop pictures that have been circulating in various Chinese forums, despite the manufacture’s attempts to conceal any “Dodge” or “Breeze” badges, someone overlooked the company’s logo on the hub-caps, thus revealing the car’s true identity.

According to reports, Chrysler LLC will start deliveries of the Dodge Breeze to the North American market and in particular Mexico, towards the end of the year. As for the U.S., it is still under discussion whether or not the Chery-built mini car -and consequently, Chrysler, is ready to enter the American market. -More pics after the jump

Huanghai Plutus Pick-Up: Now What Does It Remind You Of...

As you’ve probably already guess by now, the Huanghai Plutus pickup-truck is yet another “made in China” knockoff which in this case, imitates the looks of a Chevy Colorado. Huanghai, a subsidiary of the Liaoning SG Automotive Group, has made a habit of creating carbon-copy vehicles, including the SsangYong Rexton and a cross between a Pontiac Torrent and a Lexus RX SUV. It is apparent that the longer they manage to get away with it, the more audacious they’ll become. –More pics after the jump


Via: Le Blog Auto

MG TF LE500 Production Commencing at Longbridge Plant in August 2008

Chinese carmaker NAC MG who owns the rights to the MG name has announced that production of the TF LE500 mid-engined roadster will commence at MG Rover’s Longbridge plant in Birmingham at the beginning of August, with the first cars delivered to showrooms in September.

The revived MG TF LE500 is virtually a mildly facelifted version of the original MG TF that was introduced in 1995 when the British marque was still under the control of BMW -talk about retro... The roadster received two facelifts in 1999 and 2002 before it went out of production in 2005. -Continued

Chairman for NAC MG UK Ltd, Mr He, Xiao Qing, said; “I am delighted to be in a position to talk about a launch date for the TF LE500 following a process of planning, re-organisation, active quality improvements and parts optimization that we recognize resulted in frustration for our stakeholders. We are now fully focused on bringing our hard work to fruition.”

NAC MG added that the company is planning to extend the MG range into additional sectors in the near future.

How To Transforming the Chinese SCEO into a BMW X5

Even though it is apparent that the Chinese automaker Shuanghuan was heavily inspired from the previous generation BMW X5 when designing the SCEO SUV, it would have been a bit too inappropriate -even for their standards- to blatantly imitate bimmer’s characteristic double-kidney grille and badgetry.

When it comes to private owners however, that’s another story. This Chinese driver decided to complete Shuanghuan’s work by adding a BMW grille along with a set of logos on the body and the wheels and presto; a near to perfect imitation of the X5 at a fraction of the price. -More images after the jump

Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: CCT

Maserati’s 2008 Beijing Auto Show Babes

We’re pretty certain that very few readers will be interested in the fact that Maserati chose the Beijing Auto Salon for the Asian debut of the 440 Hp GranTurismo S, so we decided to concentrate on the Italian sports carmaker’s show stand that was adorned with succulent (though a bit overdressed for our tastes), babes. Image gallery after the jump.

Pininfarina Designed Brilliance BS4 Station Wagon: Debuts in Beijing

BMW's Chinese partner Brilliance took the wraps off the BS4 Station Wagon model at the Beijing Show this weekend. The BS4 borrows quite a few styling cues from the BMW 3-Series and the previous generation Audi A4, but the end-result is an elegant looking SW. And despite what you may think, like its sedan counterpart, the BS4 SW has actually been designed and engineered by the famous Italian house, Pininfarina!

The BS4 Sation Wagon comes equipped with the same 1.8 and 2.0-liter gasoline engines as the sedan version which was introduced in the Chinese market last year. Both variants of the BS4 are expected to go on sale in Europe by the end of the year. -More pics after the jump

2009 Volkswagen Bora Premieres at Beijing Show

Volkswagen’s second joint-venture in China with local car manufacturer FAW, introduced the VW Shanghai Lavida’s alter-ego, the new Bora sedan at the Beijing Show. Compared to the Lavida that we showed you earlier today (click here), the VW FAW Bora retains the same wheelbase (2,610 mm), but it’s a tad shorter at 4,540 mm. Visual differences between the two compact sedans include the Bora’s restyled front and rear end along with the different shape of the rear doors.

Like its VW Shanghai counterpart, the 2009 Bora will be offered with a choice of two 4-cylinder gasoline engines that can be paired to either a manual or a six-speed. The new Bora will be available in China in two equipment lines "Trendline" and "Comfortline".

Standard features include ABS, front passenger airbags, power steering, power windows, climate control system and a CD-Radio (MP3-capable). The top version Comfortline adds 15-inch alloy wheels, sliding sunroof, chrome package, anti-theft warning system, and cruise control and parking sensors. -Continued

Beijing Show: Buick Invicta Luxury Sedan Concept

Buick will take the wraps off a new luxury sedan concept that was designed collaboratively by GM's centers in Michigan, USA and Shanghai, China at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. It is said that the Invicta may very well inspire the next generation LaCrosse sedan.

Measuring 194.2 in. or 4.932 mm in length, the Buick Invicta is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger that produces 250 Hp and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Looks preety nice overall, but we'll have to wait for GM to release real-life pictures before we can say more. For the time being follow the jump for more details and the image gallery.

PRESS RELEASE: Buick Evolves Global Design Inspiration Into Invicta Show Car

The sleek Buick Invicta show car revealed here in conjunction with Auto China 2008 is Buick's strongest statement yet of its deliberately international plans. The four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick's new generation of vehicles in the world's two biggest automotive markets ��� the United States and China.

Invicta has evolved from Buick concepts such as the 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe, both of which received accolades for their thoroughly modern adaptation of classic Buick themes. Invicta was designed collaboratively by GM centers of expertise in Warren, Mich. and Shanghai, China. The name, which is Latin for "invincible," returns to Buick after a 45-year hiatus in the United States.

"Buick's global appeal created an opportunity for GM Design Centers to elevate our collaboration to new levels. Using our virtual reality centers in Warren and Shanghai, designers fused the best ideas from both cultures during the development of the Invicta," said Edward T. Welburn, vice president, General Motors Global Design. "The result will set a new design standard for Buick, and it couldn't have been achieved by one studio working in isolation. The Invicta represents another significant design milestone in Buick's history."

Invicta is powered by Buick's first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.

Modern, sleek exterior

Invicta's designers drew inspiration from the Riviera concept. Invicta features modern and sleek proportions with exterior lines that flow uninterrupted around the vehicle. For example, Invicta's cat-eye headlamps transition into the Buick heritage-inspired sweepspear design cue, which flows seamlessly along the body sides and merges into the taillamps. Similarly, one can trace the top of the headlamp casing to the roofline and the rear of the vehicle without interruptions.

As with Riviera, Invicta features short overhangs with wheels pushed out to the corners for a well-planted stance. The overall appearance is sleek, thanks in part to a sweeping, low roofline and a front windshield that has an aggressive rake.

Up front, the Buick tri-shield is prominently displayed inside the Velite-inspired chrome vertical waterfall grille. Polished aluminum surrounding the headlamps, portholes, around the D-pillar and along the lower side of the vehicle on the lower doors accentuates the overall exterior design. Reminiscent of a number of historic Buick models, Invicta's portholes ��� three per side ��� are located on the hood rather than on the front quarter panels.

Invicta's wheelbase and high belt line give the vehicle more substantial proportions while visually reinforcing its premium appearance. Invicta's 20-inch polished aluminum wheels feature a milled Buick tri-shield in the center cap.

To signal its premium attributes while enhancing the vehicle's sleek proportions, Invicta's exterior is draped in a sumptuous AluStone color. Its warm beige tone contains wafer-thin flakes of aluminum that reflect light to emit a liquid gold appearance.

Flowing, crafted interior

The focus and attention to seamless transitions carry over inside Invicta. The doors merge to become one with the instrument panel, which morphs into the center console.

The wrap-around design of the interior and fluid design provide a spacious cabin for all passengers, especially those seated in the back of the vehicle. At nearly 100 cubic feet of interior space, Invicta delivers large-car comfort in a mid-size sedan. The sense of roominess is further accentuated by a full glass roof, which allows all passengers to enjoy the sights, day or night.

Invicta also showcases a high level of interior craftsmanship while creating an environment that is soothing, quiet, comfortable and inviting for all passengers.

The blending of premium materials ��� such as wood trim and polished aluminum accents, soft aniline leather, supple suede-like material and soothing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technology ��� encase passengers in Buick luxury.

Beyond its sumptuous appearance, Buick created a show car for the senses. Authentic French seam stitching on the soft-touch instrument panel pad, door panels and steering wheel invites touch. Buttons, switches and door pulls are crafted to deliver a tactile quality experience. Soft and soothing Ice Blue ambient LED lighting on the instrument panel, around the central vehicle function controls, along the console and center storage, and in the front footwells provoke visual sophistication. Two discriminating "spotlights" also accent the center point of the front and rear seats.

Buick introduced the Invicta in North America as a production vehicle in 1959. The Invicta show car is the first time the nameplate has appeared on a Buick in China.

BUICK INVICTA SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle type: four-door, five-passenger luxury show car sedan

Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.5 / 2908

Length (in / mm): 194.2 / 4932

Width (in / mm): 73.8 / 1874

Height (in / mm): 57.7 / 1466

Track (in / mm): 64.4 / 1635 front; 64.5 / 1637 rear

Engine: 2.0L DOHC, direct injection turbo

Horsepower (kW): 250 / 186

Torque (Nm): 220 / 298

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Suspension: MacPherson strut, front; independent, rear

Brakes: four-wheel anti-lock disc

Wheels: polished aluminum, 20 in. x 8.5 in. with milled Buick emblem

Tires: P245/40R20