DR Automobiles

[Joest]

I thought the DR3 and DR5 were actually some rebadged Gonow. Di Risio was supposed to have them built by Bertone. And it was still a project!

I'm completly lost!

[dragin]

Joest not to worry. We have all been in the dark about what DR is doing with these three Chinese carmakers: Gonow, Chery, and Zhejiang Jonway.

The major industry media never picked up on this hot story about a Chery-DR relationship. Outside of Italy there was a virtual blackout on the the first negotiations that DR had with these Chinese makers.

People were left thinking that Gonow was involved in the production of the
DR5 and DR3. This was wrong. I'm surprised that Jason (ZZFirst) of Gonow did not correct such thinking here.

If one takes a look at the body designs of these individual companies, it becomes clear.

As for Gonow, its only connection (currently) is its sale of Isuzu-based SUVs and pickup trucks to DR.

[Joest]

I've double-checked and the DR3 and DR5 are actually Shuanghuan UFO.

Still, apart from Motor Authority, there's no word anywhere about cars being manufactured by Di Risio. This is quiet odd since in the past, Di Risio made a lot of annoucement.

You can check Di Risio's site here:
http://www.dr3.it/

[erik (laofan), cmvdc]

The DR3 is Feidie (Jonway) UFO, (has nothing to do with Shuanghuan.)
The DR5 is Chery Tiggo 3.
DR imports also Gonow Pickup and SUV.
First there were talks that Bertone would assemble Gonows, now there are talks that Bertone will assemble the DR3 (the UFO).

[Joest]

I said "Shuanghuan" because in Germany, the CEO has the same importer as the Shuanghuan CEO and the Little Noble.

[CCF mod]

DR Motor presented production version of DR5, which is modified Chery Tiggo for European markets. This SUV in assembled in Italy from parts imported from China. The car is equiped with 1,6 litre gasoline engine with 81kW/109HP and Fiat's 1,9 diesel (89kW/120HP) engine. Suspension is also tuned for European roads.
Basic DR5 1,6 will be sold for in Italy for 16.900 EUR. Diesel will cost 21.900 EUR. The company plans to export car to Germany, France and Spain next year and hopes to sell 12.000 vehicles in 2008 and 40.000 in 2009. Too optimistic in my oppinion...

[CCF mod]

Website of DR Motors:
http://www.drmotorcompany.it/

DR3 is not yet available at the moment.

[CCF mod]

DR5 is doing very well in Italy.

Dr5 already in third place among the crossover two-wheel drive.

The DR5, crossover produced by the DR Group (Group Di Risio) on chassis derived from China's Chery TiGG, continues to do well on the domestic market: in January-August period, according to Unrae, the DR5 reported 1221 third positioning unit sold in the ranking of sales of "Crossover Drive Front" behind the Nissan Qashqai with as many as 14,336 units and Suzuki SX-4 with 1741 units. In the ranking followed by the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage and even the Fiat Sedici, models for which customers are moving more towards versions 4 x 4.

In just the month of August instead, the DR5 has even exceeded the Suzuki SX-4 positioning second with 140 units behind the Qashqai with over 940 units. Announced a success for a car whose current range is based on only 2 engines in front wheel drive petrol 1.6 16V 107 hp combined to LPG or CNG and diesel 1.9 Multijet 120 bhp, with prices starting at € 16,900. The range will expand further with the arrival of four-wheel-drive version and filter DPF diesel engine combined.

For now DR5 is available only at the sales network of 25 supermarkets Finiper while by the end of the year is planned to launch 50 new car dealers to mark DR, dealing with the new incoming (a Monovolume and Suv 7 seats).

http://www.autoblog.it/post/15596/dr...-ruote-motrici

[dragin]

Is it Bertone Carrozzeria who has become the assembler as Laofan suggested above?

The changes to the front bumper are not bad. But, as for that drab-looking mesh in the grille opening..... I would have expected more imagination from the Italians.

[cuisine]

one week ago i got a EC type approval of DR5 type ...