GM’s SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture has begun sales of the Wuling Hong Guang, China’s first compact business vehicle. Nine Hong Guang models priced from RMB 44,800 ($6,600) to RMB 60,800 ($9,000) are available at selected Wuling dealers.
“The Hong Guang addresses the growing need for a small, economical vehicle for business use and family travel,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group.
The Hong Guang’s exterior design features a double U-shape front, which is dominated by a three-dimensional chrome waterfall-like grille. Its streamlined profile was engineered to reduce drag and cut fuel consumption. With a length of 4,305 mm, width of 1,680 mm and height of 1,780 mm, along with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm that matches medium to high-end family sedans, the Hong Guang can easily accommodate up to eight passengers.
Two advanced P-TEC engines are offered in the Hong Guang. The 1.2-liter engine has 52.2 kW of power per liter. It was named one of the 2009 Top Ten Engines in China. The 1.4-liter engine boasts improvements in torque, noise control and service life. With 75 kW/6,000 rpm of power and maximum torque of 131 Nm/4,200 rpm, it provides the power of a 1.6-liter engine. It also has a maximum speed of 150 km/h, with comprehensive fuel economy of only 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
The Hong Guang comes with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual-safety air bags, a pullback seatbelt, an LED high-position stoplight, backing radar, rear window defrost, a rear rain wiper, central door children’s locks, automatic locking, and a remote key with an electronic anti-theft system along with the automatic car tracking function.
SAIC-GM-Wuling, which is based in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, manufactures a range of Wuling brand mini-trucks and minivans as well as the Chevrolet Le Chi mini-car. GM China holds a 34.0 percent stake, while SAIC holds 50.1 percent and Wuling Motors holds 15.9 percent. In 2009, it had domestic sales of 1,061,213 units, becoming the first automaker in China to sell more than 1 million vehicles in a single year. It has been the sales leader among Chinese mini-vehicle producers for four consecutive years.
