2007 Shanghai Auto Show Preview: Chery Shooting Sport

WUHU, China — Chery Automobile said it plans to unveil a variety of new products at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show, including a stylish compact called the Shooting Sport. Altogether, the company's display in Shanghai will house 30 vehicles, including three concepts.

Chery did not release details of the Shooting Sport, but official sketches indicate a sporty three-door hatchback with some crossover overtones. The Shooting Sport almost certainly will go into production within the next 18 months, according to industry watchers in China.

The Chery exhibit will also showcase a new model, the A1, designed by Bertone and said to provide the base for one of the first models to be sold in North America by the Chrysler Group. Chrysler also is negotiating with Chery to build a version of the Dodge Hornet concept. The A1 is to go on sale in China in late April, right after the Shanghai show.

Chery also plans to launch a larger model, the A3, a four-door hatchback designed by Pininfarina. The car is expected to go into production later this year in China and could also be exported to Europe and North America.

source: insideline