GM’s SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture has begun sales of the Wuling Hong Guang in China. Hong Guang is China’s first compact business car. Nine Hong Guang models priced from $6,600 to$9,000 are available in China. The model is expected in the Indian market by mid-2011 and will be possibly sold under the existing brand name Tavera from General Motors. The new car is expected to have the price tag of Rs. 7 lakh in India. It will compete against the models like Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo.
“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 Chinese model of 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.
