The Chinese auto market is the largest in the world and has long been more important to European brands like BMW and VW than the main markets. About 17 million new cars were registered there from January to September this year. But in the same period, new registrations in Europe only reached 6.8 million. In addition to established European manufacturers, many with a 100-year-old tradition, many new manufacturers that are only 20 years old are also launching their models in the Chinese market, which we have never heard of before.
The best example is Wuling Hong Guang. It looks like a toy car and is reminiscent of the kei cars that have been successful in Japan for decades, with maximum space and national tax breaks in a minimum footprint. It was developed in a joint venture with the US automaker General Motors (GM). The small electric car has been at the top of China’s sales statistics for two years, thanks to its popularity among younger customers. The mini electric vehicle has been number one among electric cars worldwide for the past six months: over one million units have been sold since its launch in July 2020.
two seater with 44 hp
Special models such as the Gameboy Edition, which greatly increased the proportion of male customers, also helped. With an electric range of 200 or 300 kilometers at prices equivalent to 7500 to 9400 francs. For comparison: the average annual income per capita in China at the end of 2021 was the equivalent of 15,800 francs. Success now makes Wuling bold: The successful Hong Guang model has already been offered as a convertible. It’s surprising that the brand sees opportunities for a small convertible – for example, the European convertible market has been in decline for a long time, and only open-top sports cars are successful.
The 3.06-metre-long two-seater is powered by a 44 hp (30 kW) electric motor that enables the Hong Guang Mini EV Convertible to reach 100 km/h. Accelerates to 50 km/h in eight seconds without stopping. The under-body battery pack provides a range of up to 280 kilometers. From 99,900 Chinese RMB (about 13,400 Francs), it has a retractable fabric roof, two airbags, ABS, rollover protection, audio system and power windows. With a width of 1.52 meters and a wheelbase of 2.01 meters, the interior space is as manageable as the cargo area under the fabric roof.
Asia yes, Europe quite no
Wuling has launched eight electric cars in China since 2017, all based on the same platform; Other models with hybrid and plug-in drives are planned. Will the brand come to Europe as well? Nothing is known about such plans. However, electric vehicles will also be sold in other overseas markets in the future. Production of the Wuling Air EV, the first EV model outside of China, began in Indonesia in August.