Does the World Really Need Another Chinese Brand? Chery Certainly Thinks So, Launches Qoros [Video]

We tried to count the number of Chinese carmakers, and it turns out that there are approximately 70 brands. That’s not counting the foreign makes they’ve already bought like Volvo, or are currently trying to acquire like Saab, nor their numerous joint ventures with almost every big-, medium- or small-sized foreign automotive companies from Isuzu and Suzuki to Toyota and General Motors.

Even Alfa Romeo, which has cancelled its return to the U.S. more times than we care to remember, has plans to form a joint venture with local company Guangzhou Automobile.

Well, the list just got a little but bigger as on Monday Chery Automobile Co. and investment firm Israel Corp. announced a new joint venture that will lead to a new brand called Qoros.

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Chery Ripens

Among Chinese indigenous brands at the Shanghai auto show, Great Wall and Chery run neck and neck in the number of new-model debuts. We think Chery had the edge, though, with such memorable products as the A6CC sport coupe, the Shooting Sport wagon and the Tiggo6 SUV, among others.

Chery's almost limitless ambition to become a major exporter to the Western world led to hot anticipation of its Shanghai show lineup. And the reality lived up to expectations as Chery proved again that it is increasingly a force to be reckoned with.

There were many highlights, notably the neat Bertone-designed A6 and its companion, the A6CC sport coupe, which brought to mind the elegant Pininfarina-designed M14 roadster. One can only hope that at least one sporty model will make it into production. There seems at least to be a fighting chance that the A6CC will make that leap, since Chery described two power options for it: a V6 3.0-liter with variable valve timing and a four-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0-liter variant.

In addition, there was much interest in the Shooting Sport, Chery's take on a sporty wagon in the same style as the Audi A3 Sportback. Another concept was a bigger brother to the Toyota RAV4-like Tiggo SUV. Called the Tiggo6, it paired rugged looks and permanent all-wheel drive. Chery highlighted the fact that among possible powertrain options, its self-developed 1.9-liter diesel has already passed Euro V emission-control regulations.

But that, substantial as it appears, was not all. Chery also unveiled two hybrids, the A3 compact and the A1 minicar, which featured the same combination: a 1.3-liter diesel engine mated with a 30 kW electric motor and a CVT transmission. Company officials remained tight lipped on production possibilities.

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