Chinese cars abroad

[dmitra]

SKD assembly of the Sauvana has begun in Belarus at the BelGee plant for the Russian market. However, Russian CKD assembly may also commence in the future at the new plant of Stavropol Auto in Mikhaylovsk, Russia.

http://tvoe-avto.com/24055-foton-sau...orozhnika.html
https://autoreview.ru/news/foton-sau...stavropol-avto

[dmitra]

A very nice write-up on the past, present, and evolution of the Nigerian vehicle assembly industry, important here because there are several companies assembling Chinese vehicles (mentioned in the article as well). After the implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan, many foreign companies have rushed (with local partners) to open or revive plants in the country. But, as with any nascent industry in an emerging economy, there are teething troubles such as forex shortages to overcome.

http://shipsandports.com.ng/nigeria-...inconsistency/

We have already encountered Innoson on this Forum. The Dubai-based Stallion Group is the biggest assembler in Nigeria, and they make Chinese as well as non-Chinese (Hyundai, Nissan, VW, Honda for example) brands of vehicles. Their own-brand light vehicle, the Stallion Force, is a renamed Jinbei Dalishen pickup.

[dmitra]

JAC starts selling two locally-made SUVs, the SEI 2 and SEI 3 (i.e. Refine S2 and S3), in Mexico. These vehicles are assembled in Sahagun City, Hidalgo state, at a plant owned by Giant Motors which already produces FAW commercial vehicles (see)

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/busines...t_28740288.htm
http://noticias.autocosmos.com.mx/20...n-259900-pesos

About the plant: http://www.altonivel.com.mx/la-autom...o-carlos-slim/

[F.Fernández]

Raul, you are wrong. The King Long brand is not in Argentina, actually they are 6 car and truck brands in Argentina : Lifan (since 2016), JMC (since 2016), Foton (since 2016), DFM (since 2004?) Chery (since 2008) and Geely (since 2016). Past car and truck brands : Jiangling (early 90's-late 90's), Sanxing (1997-1998), Nanjing Yuejin (1996-1998), Wuling (1998-2001) Chang'an (assembly plant in Argentina, 1998-2001) and many many more that I can't remember.

[dmitra]

Pragoti Industries Limited (an old automobile factory in Bangladesh from pre-liberation times and now state-owned) has been assembling the Foday Landfort SUV and Lion F22 pick-up from mid-2016.

https://www.facebook.com/pragotiindustries.gov.bd/
http://www.kalerkantho.com/print-edi...6/06/05/366164
http://www.mof.gov.bd/en/budget/16_1...es_English.pdf (Para 6.11.1 Page 469)

Additionally, PIL assembles Mahindra Scorpio SUV and pickups and recently added the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport QX (4P45).

[dmitra]

Willowvale Motor Industries of Zimbabwe resumed production, after lying idle for nearly half-a-decade, with the SKD assembly of the Grand Tiger pickup, which is being marketed with a BAIC badge (Yes, BAIC markets the Grand Tiger in some countries). The cooperation agreement between WMI and BAIC ensures assembly of 3000 units over 3 years. Anyway, something is better than nothing. Willowvale used to assemble Mazda cars in the past.

http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2017/0...bled-zimbabwe/
http://www.chronicle.co.zw/editorial...e-a-milestone/

Zimbabwe's other auto assembler, Quest Motors, has been assembling the Chery Tiggo, Mitsubishi Triton as well as Yutong, JMC, Foton commercial vehicles in small quantities. In 2015 they added the Tunland pickup.

Perennial forex/currency shortages have placed these companies in dire straits; however, it seems they are trying to brave the situation. A shrinking economy is not helping, either.

http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-3298...tors/news.aspx

[dmitra]

http://astanatimes.com/2017/04/chine...er-allurgroup/
https://www.autostat.ru/news/29734/ (in Russian)

[Lawrence]

Originally Posted by dmitra

Wlillowvale Motor Industries of Zimbabwe resumed production, after lying idle for nearly half-a-decade, with the SKD assembly of the Grand Tiger pickup, which is being marketed with a BAIC badge (Yes, BAIC markets the Grand Tiger in some countries).....

It's interesting to see BAIC, the parent of light truck maker Foton, marketing Zhongxing Auto's pickup. I guess that "conflicts of interest" don't necessarily apply here, and who knows, this may be a hint that yet another acquisition by BAIC, is now in the making.
Looking back, Beijing Jeep did help in marketing the Zhongxing Admiral in Russia, and Zhongxing has in the past used BAIC-made engines.

[dmitra]

The partnership Beiqi Zimbabwe is between three parties: WMI, BAIC and another local company Astol Motors which is a commercial-vehicles trader. Looks like Astol will be actual sales and service conduit. Interesting is the fact that WMI's local rival Quest is assembling Fotons!

(BAIC is also selling the Grand Tiger in Oman (CBU ex-China). Also look what the Doda Pickup is)

____________________

BAIC is into bigger things in South Africa - you must have heard of their ~800 million dollar investment in a new plant situated in Coega IDZ near Port Elizabeth. Planned to be a full-fledged manufacturing unit, passenger vehicles and bakkies will be made here from 2018-19. Construction is currently underway. (BAW has had an older but much smaller SKD factory in Springs, Ekurhuleni, making vans)

[Lawrence]

...and bakkies...
Can you tell us what "bakkies" are?

According to mexiconewsdaily.com (6/4/16), BAIC has 30 manufacturing plants in Asia and Africa, some of which operate through a joint venture with Hyundai.

As for that earlier production in South Africa, from 2012 BAIC entered a JV with South Africa Industrial Development Corp (IDC ), for an SKD assembly of Hiace-based minivan called Sasuka for taxi use. Planned capacity was 9,600,with an investment of $17.5 million.
Also seen at: www.bdlive.co.za (12/9/15)