Chinese make their auto mark

AS with all things Chinese at present, the advent of a new carmaker is provoking a stir among other established carmakers.

In this context, new independent manufacturer, Qoros, has taken the wraps off the GQ3. This, it says, is the first of a family of all-new models designed and developed by an international team specifically for markets in China and Europe.

The first model from Qoros, the GQ3 C-segment saloon, introduces design themes and styling features that will define a unique brand identity across the forthcoming family of Qoros models. The GQ3 features an elegant exterior, a spacious, feature-packed interior and is engineered to achieve top European and Chinese crash test ratings.

“During the development of the Qoros GQ3, we directed all our efforts towards the needs and expectations of today’s young, aspirational customers,” says Volker Steinwascher, deputy chairman of the Qoros management board. “As an entirely new brand, we have the advantage of being able to focus our efforts, without compromise or distraction, on meeting the demands of these customers.”

Making its world debut at the Geneva International Motor Show (March 7 to 17), the Qoros GQ3 goes on sale in China in the second half of 2013, with the first cars arriving in Europe later in the year.

Qoros was founded in 2007, within the context of a partnership of equals between Chery Automobile, China’s largest independent car manufacturer, and Israel Corporation.

The company has its headquarters in Changshu, a region of importance for China’s rapidly growing automobile industry, with offices in Shanghai. A new production plant is being built in Changshu. It will have an initial production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year.