Chinese company BAIC Motor Group will recycle an old Mercedes-Benz platform to develop new cars. According to a media report, BAIC received approval from partner Daimler to use a previous E-Class architecture for a brand-new car, which is said to hit the domestic market in 2018 as a midsize sedan. BAIC will also launch SUV and MPV models using the same platform.
There’s no word as to which E-Class platform BAIC is planning to use, but the upcoming vehicles are likely to use parts from the W212 architecture, which was recently discontinued to make way for the new, W213-generation E-Class. On the other hand, Automotive News says, citing Beijing-based website Internet Info Agency, that the upcoming sedan and SUV will be sold under BAIC’s Senova brand, while the MPV will get a Weiwang badge. The former is a brand that BAIC launched in 2012, while the latter is a subsidiary that builds vans.
The report also adds that BAIC is also borrowing two gasoline engines and a transmission from Mercedes-Benz. Units will include a turbocharged, 1.8-liter four-pot and a naturally aspirated, 3.0-liter V-6, while the gearbox will be a six-speed automatic. Both engines were offered with the previous-generation E-Class.
Established in 1958, BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding) is a state-owned company that operates passenger vehicle and truck joint-ventures with Daimler. It is among the most-productive Chinese automakers, making more than two million vehicles per year. The group includes BAIC Motor (passenger cars and vans), BAW (light off-road vehicles, trucks, and military vehicles), and Foton Motor (trucks, buses, and agricultural machinery). It has joint-ventures with both Daimler and Hyundai.
Continue reading for the full story.
from Top Speed http://ift.tt/2bhmZ5e
via IFTTT
0 comments:
Post a Comment