In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Guangzhou Auto’s Chairman Zhang Fangyou announced that Guangzhou’s own self developed car will launch in December this year. At the Beijing Auto Show in April this year, Guangzhou showed off its first concept sedan which is based on the Alfa Romeo 166 platform that Guangzhou Auto bought from Fiat prior to their signing of a 50:50 joint venture.
Guangzhou Auto recently launched on the Hong Kong stock market and is China’s second biggest auto maker after Dongfeng Motor Corp based on market capitalization but is in strong competition with other state owned car companies that have recently launched their own car brands.
Chairman Zhang revealed that Guangzhou Auto’s joint ventures with Toyota and Honda currently account for around 85% of Guangzhou Autos revenue at the moment but this is expected to be reduced as Trumpchi models become available to consumers.
The Trumpchi models will be available for purchase in December this year, and Guangzhou Auto are aiming to sell 300,000 units in China and possibly abroad by 2015. A Trumpchi SUV is expected to follow after the initial launch of the sedan.