The Lifan Group, a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer has recently ventured into the car business, with their US$9,700 Lifan 520 sedan. A recent move has shown this is not just a one-off shot at making a quick buck, they are in it for the long haul. Yup, Lifan is in the process of a potential purchase of the Campo Largo engine plant in Brazil from DaimlerChrysler and BMW AG, who jointly own the factory.

http://static.kolesa.ru/uploads/news_lifan_520.jpg

http://www.cmgonline.com/bikes/models/Lifan/GY/2006/studio/BigP/Lifan_200GY-5_bg.jpg

Was the deal already confirmed ? This is great news. I've heard they have big plans for the future. The Campo Largo factory makes 1,6 liter engines for BMW/Mini/Toyota.

Chinese firm eyes BMW/DaimlerChrysler MINI engine plant
22nd Febuary 2006

The Chinese Lifan Group has expressed an interest in acquiring and transferring to Chongquing the Brazilian joint venture engine plant owned 50/50 by BMW and DaimlerChrysler, according to a report in the New York Times. The plant is the product of a joint venture agreement, due to expire by the end of next year, between BMW and DaimlerChrysler, formed in the late 1990s with an investment of US$500m, and produces the 1.6-litre, 16-valve Tritec petrol engine used in the MINI.

http://www.autoindustry.co.uk/news/22-02-06_3

Was the deal already confirmed ? This is great news. I've heard they have big plans for the future. The Campo Largo factory makes 1,6 liter engines for BMW/Mini/Toyota.

I read on another site that they purchased it but i guess it was a rumour...negotiations still going on

That is what i think too. Negotiations are still underway. Let's hope for the best ;)


Some facts about Lifan:


- Biggest maker of motorcycles in China
- first passenger car model; the 520, was introduced in 2005. It uses a 1,6liter engine from BMW
- hatchback model will be introduced later
- Lifan is a big manufacturer of trucks and buses too. Also small minivans are in production

The lifan their automobile price are sold in china is rmb77777.00

http://www.lifan.com/en/75156017805000704/index.asp

http://www.lifan.com/timages/English/productsmotor1.jpg

yes, lifan is the biggest Motorcycle manufacturer in china and is not getting into the auto industry.

Their motorcycles are beginning to be exported all around the world like india...

All the models at one picture (520 - 320 - 620)

http://www.zr.ru/images/article/ready/1/1/5/1/115128.jpg

Source: http://www.zr.ru/articles/56723

Nice information.................:goteam: