Just an artist’s version of the low cost Wuling mini-car that might be sold in India in 2010
We reported on the possible entry of SAIC into the Indian market last month and already reports in the Chinese media suggest the company has taken a controlling stake on GM’s Talegoan facility.
The reports say SAIC’s first product out of an Indian production line would be a mini car developed by Wuling. Besides the small car, as per Karl Slym, President and Managing Director of GM India, light commercial vehicles would also be manufactured under the JV for our country.
That begs the question – Does this finally mark the first major entry of a Chinese auto brand into India?
Shocker – A report in the media says the mini car jointly produced by GM India and Wuling would roll out of an Indian plant by January 2010!
Wuling’s CV lineup –
Talks on SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) purchasing a plant from GM in India to produce low-cost Wuling vans is in the early stages according to a leading Chinese news outlet.
General Motors runs on a JV with SAIC and Wuling Automobile in China and produce the Chevrolet Spark and minivans. SAIC were also in talks with GM to purchase the Vauxhall Insignia platform to build vehicles specifically for the Chinese market.
No more details are available at this point, but we’ll keep a close track on this.
Head over to the official Wuling website to learn more
Chinese car company Wuling, which is partially operated by GM, is rumored these days to be busy working on a car that will cost approximately $4,000. GM is likely to reserve this car for developing countries like India, South America, Brazil and China.
Wuling is experienced with manufacturing low cost vehicles. At present, it manufactures low cost pickup trucks and vans for China. Mostly, GM would develop a smaller capacity engine to suit this car’s profile. The interiors could be basic but vital family chromosomes like the split grille and large headlamps will remain.
The rendering above uses bits from the Smart, next generation Spark and the Nano. We expect the car to come with four doors and a platform that is fit for all kinds of small vehicles.
