Chinese automaker FAW announces new-energy (read: hybrid) vehicle factory
Despite the lackluster sales from rival company BYD, Chinese automaker FAW has announced a new manufacturing plant that will specialize in building hybrid vehicles. Set to be completed in 2012, the automaker expects to build about 1,000 hybrid buses and 11,000 hybrid sedans per year at the new plant, which seems like a bit of a stretch for a company that had previously announced a steady plan to build hybrid in much smaller numbers (100 hybrid buses and 20 hybrid sedans in 2009, 200 hybrid buses and 100 hybrid sedans in 2010 and 450 hybrid buses and 200 hybrid sedans in 2011). A fleet of 12 hybrid buses are currently being tested in Dalian city, Liaoning, Northeastern China. The company expects to deliver the remaining 88 by the end of this year.
[Source: Gasgoo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alex Russell 7:39PM (5/11/2009)
Like salt in the wound for Americans still dazed over the impending doom of such cultural mainstays as GM and Chrysler. And I wonder whether the Chinese auto industry is responding only to the rising cost and eventual disappearance of fossil fuels or thinking more broadly about future exports to the flagging American car market. This recession is bad, but it will end someday. If GM and Chrysler don't make it through, there will be a lot of Americans out there looking to buy cars again--and we're starting to develop a taste for hybrids.
Reply
Swede 10:54AM (5/12/2009)
The chinese really love generic buildings and odd shadows. And serif fonts.
Reply