Tag Archives: China
Everything We Know About The 2019 Ford Territory That’s Made For China
Ford is finding it difficult to infiltrate the Chinese market, and for an automaker, that’s bad news. China has become the biggest market for automakers, and without a clear presence there, the business could suffer. For this year, Ford has prepared a grand plan to capture the Chinese market. They will introduce 50 new models until 2025, starting off with an affordable crossover SUV since we can’t seem to get enough of them.
Called Ford Territory, this is no way the same as the one in Australia with the same name. While that one is based on the Ford Falcon, the Chinese-market crossover SUV is very different and will be developed with Chinese automaker JMC.
No mechanical details have been revealed yet, except that it will be offered with three engine options: a conventional gas-powered engine, a Miller-cycle-style engine with a 48V mild-hybrid assist, and a plug-in hybrid.
Don’t worry if this will be manufactured with a Chinese automaker partner. It would still very much look like a Ford since it will still be the one responsible for the Territory’s overall design, engineering, and testing. JMC will provide advice and feedback on what sells in the Chinese market. The car will also be built in a JMC factory.
Other reports from China, however, noted that the Territory may be similar to one of JMC’s brands, the Yusheng. The S330 model, however, features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can make 163 horsepower.
From initial reports, the Territory looks handsome enough to have a shot at the Asian market. It may not be outstanding, but its exterior and interior are both aimed at functionality and at appealing to other Asian cities.
The Territory will go on sale in China early next year, but it won’t probably be available in the US because it wasn’t manufactured to meet North America’s safety and emission standards.
Honda Introduces Everus Concept At Beijing Auto Show
Those of you who think that Honda is simply dwindling their thumbs while everyone is jumping on the electrification bandwagon will soon be proven wrong. At the 2018 Beijing International Motor Show, the Japanese automaker unveiled the Everus concept, a HR-V-looking electric vehicle that signals Honda’s entrance into a market dominated by the likes of Tesla.
Even though it is still a concept, the Everus looks like it’s ready to roll out of the production line. Details are still scant and we barely know any information about the Everus, but looking at the photos showed the same size and proportions as the Honda HR-V. It even has the weird rear door handles that are placed at the C-pillar.
If this is how Honda’s new EV will look like, it will definitely draw a lot of praise from enthusiasts and Honda fans. Unlike other concept cars that are too far off from the actual production unit, the Everus has a promising future to look like the concept. We can probably surmise that development of the EV is underway and near to being finalized since the Japanese carmaker claims it will start manufacturing the Everus later this year.
Of course, we can look at it from the business angle: Honda has just partnered with Chinese automaker GAC, so it’s entirely plausible that the Japanese company is rushing the development of the first model of its EV line.
Considering the competitions we have in the EV market, it’s not surprising that Honda is working fast to get the Everus out there. Not only will this be available to the Chinese market, Honda also plans to roll out the model through a car-sharing service offered by Reachstar, a Chinese company that specializes in providing car share services.
What we’re sure is that this will welcome a new generation for Honda; a generation that will tap into the endless possibilities of a more electrified auto industry.
Hybrid Kinetic Introduces K350 SUV And H500 Concepts In China
Hybrid Kinetic, an electric car startup company in China, partnered with Pininfarina to utilize new technologies for its cars. The Chinese company aims to come up with a full lineup of electric cars powered by an extended-range electric powertrain that uses a microturbine as range extender.
Pininfarina, the Italian design house, is tasked to pen each of the models. In the past, we have already seen four concepts that would define Hybrid Kinetic’s future lineup—the H600 sedan, the K550 and K750 SUVs, and the GT coupe. All of these concepts feature a similar look, which is close to the company’s planned production models.
During the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, Hybrid Kinetic presented to more sedan concepts—a small SUV called the K350 and a small sports sedan called the H500. The official shots revealed by the brand showed handsome exteriors and elegant, modern interiors for both vehicles.
Aside from the two vehicles, the concept also featured a common powertrain that has an electric motor at each exle that can produce a combined power of 800 horses. The motors will draw their energy from a battery that can be charged through a plug. It can also draw power from running using a compact microturbine that weighs less than 200 pounds.
The microturbine can deliver a continuous 80 horsepower, enough to charge the battery. It can also run using a variety of fuels such as diesel, gasoline, and hydrogen. The total reach could possibly be 620 miles. That’s a lot of miles for a car running on battery!
The company’s first production model could be a possible sedan arriving sometime in 2020. The automotive division of Hybrid Kinetic is not just focused on producing vehicles. Instead, it is part of a larger group that includes businesses on finance, battery production, and electric buses. Another thing that the company is focusing on is the graphene, a lighter and stronger material than carbon fiber that has the ability for faster charging time.
3 Things To Know About The Jeep Grand Commander
The 2018 Beijing Auto Show has on full display the Jeep Grand Commander, a massive three-row, seven-seater, full-sized SUV. The Grand Commander is the newest Jeep model available to the Chinese market. The others are Compass, Renegade, and Cherokee.
The Grand Commander sits on a long wheelbase, making it a full-sized SUV. Although Jeep has yet to release info on dimensions, one look at the Grand Commander and you’ll this is one classic SUV (definitely not a crossover).
1. Design
When it comes to design, the Grand Commander is not that far off from Grand Cherokee, though the latter is sportier because of its more aggressive front bumper. The Commander is statelier with its rectangular headlights, compact front grille, and a business-like bumper, fog lamps, and chrome trim.
The interior features a three-row seating layout that can accommodate up to seven people. The front section looks like an upgraded Grand Cherokee, thanks to wood trims on a few spots and on the steering wheel.
2. Powertrains
There’s no available information about the powertrains options for the Grand Commander. We can surmise, based on the company’s Chinese website, that one of the options would be a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that is similar to the one found in the new Wrangler. That unit can produce 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque on the Wrangler. If that unit will be fitted on the Grand Commander, expect it to produce around 350 horsepower.
3. Sales Increase
The Grand Commander should further boost Jeep’s market in China. It already has a pretty impressive lineup of vehicles for the Chinese market, but the Grand Commander will be the pinnacle of the available models. Last year, Jeep sold 200,000 units in China, a massive increase from the sales numbers in 2016.
And though there has been a drop in sales in the first quarter of 2018, the arrival of the Grand Commander should remedy that soon.
2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class L Extended Wheelbase Gets Bigger And Better Cabin
Mercedes-Benz is truly making an impact in the Chinese market, or at least, trying to infiltrate the biggest auto market in the world. At the 2018 Beijing Motor Show, Asia’s largest car expo, the luxury brand introduced the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept SUV and the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class L sedan.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Extended Wheelbase is the newest model under the German brand to get enhanced legroom, keeping in mind China’s affinity for rear seat legroom. The 2019 C-Class L will sit under the E-Class L in China. It will also be sold exclusively for the Chinese market.
Luxury car buyers in China place great importance on rear seat legroom. After all, these rich Chinese mostly have drivers that allow them to stay on the rear side of the vehicle, enjoying whatever amenities Mercedes can throw at their feet. The extended wheelbase will give this car a significant edge over its competition.
The styling details of the C-Class L Extended Wheelbase will remain the same as the European model, but the wheelbase (which is why the Extended Wheelbase name) has been stretched by 80 mm or 31 inches for added legroom in the rear seats. China, being a left-hand drive market, will receive a different layout for the C-Class L than the European version. The rear-right seat passenger can electronically adjust the front passenger seat by sliding it forward.
Other features of this Chinese-market-directed sedan are the LED headlights and the optional Multibeam LED headlights. Inside, there are fully digital driver’s display, a wider infotainment screen, multi-contour seat package with a massaging function, 64 LED ambient colours, and a new multi-function steering wheel. The German automaker also introduced the Energizing comfort control system, the same one in the S-Class last year.
Originally launched in 2014, the C-Class L will also get the new 48v electric architecture mild system that comes with petrol engines to boost performance and efficiency.
Take A Look At The Tesla Model 3 EV’s Debut In Beijing
Tesla is giving Beijing a taste of its Model 3 as the latest EV vehicle from Elon Musk’s company made its debut at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show. This came ahead of the official launch of the Tesla Model 3 in China and also before the company receives full authority to produce the vehicle in the market.
This is not the first Tesla Model 3 in the country, of course. Rich private citizens have already started importing the vehicle from the US, which is not recommended given the many different specifications in terms of wattage and outputs in the vehicle. We do know that US and China do not share the same power capacities and even format.
Still, the vehicle debuting at the Beijing Auto Show is the first one that Tesla itself brought to the Asian giant. But while Tesla is already introducing the vehicle to the Chinese market, it won’t be seen in dealerships until next year, when it will have its official launch.
Reportedly, Tesla Model 3 will be available as an import from the US first much like the Model S and Model X. Tesla is working on domestically manufacturing the vehicles to save on cost and reduce the final price of the vehicle. Practically, this is a good move both for Tesla and the Chinese market. Logistic costs and import fees could double the cost of a vehicle that is essential in helping Chinese commuters reduce their carbon footprint.
Currently, Tesla’s import duties is at 25%. This effectively limits the company’s demand in the world’s largest automotive market, though reports pointed out that Tesla’s presence has grown significantly. To keep growing (it has the lead in foreign electric car sales in China), Tesla has to somehow convince the Chinese government to allow it to produce the vehicle domestically.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Version Debuts At Beijing Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz wants a bigger chunk of the premium car market. The automaker is breathing new life to the lower rungs of its lineup by launching newer versions of the compact Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The sedan version of the A-Class has made its way to the 2018 Beijing Auto Show after the hatchback version aimed primarily at the European market made its debut at the 2018 Geneva Auto Show in March.
Mercedes showed the A-Class L version of the sedan in the show. “L” stands for long wheelbase, which is common in the auto market of China. We’re sure that a US-spec A-Class will soon arrive in the United States.
The A-Class L has been stretched by 6 centimeters or 2.3 inches. It will be sold exclusively in China. A soon-to-come standard wheelbase will most likely be available for the US market as the new entry-level Mercedes. The CLA-Class, the current entry-level Mercedes, will move by a level.
The A-Class sedan stands similar to the hatchback model in Geneva, sans the presence of a trunk in the longer wheelbase model. Even the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) was the same as it features a screen setup closer to the larger Mercedes models. There’s also a sophisticated voice-recognition system.
In China, this model will be launched with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 163 horsepower. There will also be a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 187 horses later. Both these engines will be paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission and it will use a front-wheel drive platform. Mercedes, however, may also offer as an option an all-wheel drive system.
The powertrain lineup for the US models will be revealed at a later date, and there will also be new details on high-performance AMG models. Aside from the A-Class L model, Mercedes will also be launching the Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury electric SUV concept in Beijing.
6 Revelations About The 2018 Volkswagen Touareg
During a special ceremony in Beijing on Friday, Volkswagen released a redesigned Touareg, marking the very special relationship the European company has with China, which it considers its second home.
1. New Flagship Of The VW Brand
This third-generation Touareg is being put in the upmarket level seeing as it recently became the new flagship of the VW brand. Previously, that role was with the Phaeton but the full-size sedan was already discontinued in 2016. An electric successor is being planned, but that won’t come into fruition until the next decade.
2. Wider And More Dynamic Look
Compared to its predecessor, the outgoing model, the new Touareg has a wider look and it’s also bigger. It’s three inches longer than before, now standing at 192 inches. It’s also 1.7 inches wider at 78 inches and 0.3 inches shorter at only 67 inches.
3. MLB Platform
The curb weight has been reduced by as much as 233 pounds in some variants, thanks to VW’s version of the MLB platform, which features multi-material construction and used by Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne. The main benefits are air suspension, roll stabilization, and rear-wheel steering.
4. Plush Interior
The cabin of the new Touareg is as luxurious as others in the game. It has a digital dash with a 12.0-inch screen that is now the instrument cluster. There’s also a 15-inch infotainment hub. For safety features, there’s the automatic emergency braking, driver fatigue warning, and a night vision camera. Overall, VW calls the cabin design “Innovision Cockpit.”
5. Drivetrain Options
The Touareg will go on sale this summer in Europe. Depending on the market, there will be choices of two 3.0-liter V-6 diesels, producing 228 and 282 horsepower, respectively, and a 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline delivering 335 horsepower. There will also be a plug-in hybrid setup with 362 horsepower for the Chinese market. There are also news that a 4.0-liter V-8 diesel producing 415 horsepower will come as another option.
Standard to these engines are an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive with a center differential lock. Some extras are available, care of a special off-road pack that adds extra driving modes, a larger fuel tank, and under body protection.
6. Release Dates And Locations
The new Touareg won’t be coming to the United States. The local division of VW in the US dropped the model at the end of the 2017 model year because of low sales and the decision to focus on the Atlas.
Testing of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Toyota Cars in China Will Start in October
Toyota Motor Corp said during the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show that it will begin testing its hydrogen fuel cell cars in China by October. The move is for the company evaluate the feasibility of bringing the Mirai in the giant Asian country’s market.
According to Reuters, Hirohi Onishi, Toyota’s head of business in China, revealed that the automaker is planning to construct a hydrogen fuel station in Changshu City in the eastern part of Jiangsu province during the testing phase. He stated that promotional activities will be made in line with the arrival of their product in the country to gauge how receptive are the Chinese consumers to the vehicle.
The Japanese brand finds putting the hydrogen fuel cell-powered Toyota cars in China challenging though. Automotive News reported that there are only five hydrogen stations in the country. The facilities are centered around the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The Toyota station would be the first in Changshu.
Presently, the Toyota Mirai is sold in Japan, United States of America and Europe. From the said regions, the company has sold 3,000 units of the car. Australia, United Arab Emirates and Canada will also be the location of the other testing areas for the hydrogen fuel cell Toyota cars.
Lately, the Chinese government has implemented strict measures to curb the alarming pollution in the country. As a result, more automakers are investing into bringing their electric cars in that location. Recognizing the strong demand for EVs, even luxury car makers like Mercedes-Benz and Audi are taking their game into the electric car segment of the Chinese market.
With such a stiff competition looming in the electric car business, it remains to be seen how the Mirai will be received by China’s consumers. Everything will be made clear once it arrives in the Chinese roads for testing.
4 Stuff You Should Know About the BMW 5-Series Li
The BMW 5-Series is in it is seventh generation for the 2017 model year. At this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, a new model of the car was just unveiled called the BMW 5-Series Li.
Here are 4 stuff you should know about the BMW 5 Series Li, which was manufactured under the Brilliance-BMW alliance:
1. Exterior
In a nutshell, the BMW 5-Series Li is the long wheelbase model of the 5-Series. It follows all the design cues of the car where it is based.
The 5-Series Li’s wheelbase is five inches longer than its standard version though. The extra space gives its rear passengers more legroom.
The target market of the series are the wealthy people who prefer to be chauffeured to their destinations. Thus, the extra room in its rear seats.
2. Interior
The long wheelbase car follows the interior elements of the 5-Series. It is adorned with Nappa leather and dark wood trims on the side panels.
However, its rear seats feature added soundproofing, electronically adjustable seats, two 10.5-inch touchscreens and Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof. In between the rear passenger seats of the luxury vehicle is another touchscreen display integrated with the center armrest.
3. Engine
The powertrains of the BMW 5-Series Li follows that of its standard version. Buyers of the long wheelbase models can choose among the two gasoline-fed 2.0-liter turbo inline-four engines and 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 engine versions of the luxury vehicle. The respective outputs of the units are 224 hp, 252 hp and 340 hp.
Sources in China claimed that there is also a BMW 5-Series Li M Sports. But do not get your hopes up too much on that one because it only offers a new set of bumpers and wheels.
4. Exclusivity
Unfortunately for most fans of BMW, the 5-Series Li will only be available in the Chinese market. As of writing this article, there is no official confirmation yet about the market release of the long wheelbase car.