Chinese Automaker Chery and Its Visionary North American Retail Division to Debut New Models at Auto Shanghai 2005

As for more mainstream models, Chery will be introducing the next-generation A21 (FengYun), the replacement to the

Visionary Vehicles Founder and CEO Malcolm Bricklin stands next to Chery Automobile President Yin Tongyao, with a new crossover vehicle at Chery's state-of-the-art factory in Wuhu, China. (Photo: Visionary Vehicles)

existing Qiyun model, which made its debut in 2000. Though its 4,522 mm (178.0 in.)-long, 1,750 mm (68.9 in.)-wide and 1,483 mm (58.4 in.)-tall body may be styled frighteningly close to Nissan's Maxima with its curved roofline and bold, upright headlamps, the A21 is completely different underneath. Based on the old Seat Toledo sedan (VW Jetta), it offers the option of a 1.9-litre turbodiesel, and can be had with either a five-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.

This year, Chery will also put two minivans into production. The B14, a 4,662 mm (183.5 in.)-long six- or seven-seat minivan rides on a 2,800 mm (113.3 in.) wheelbase. The vehicle, which first made its debut at the Peking motor show as a concept, is now production- ready, powered by either a 2.0-litre gasoline, 2.4-litre gasoline or 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine. The B13, an enlarged version of the B14, will also be shown at the Shanghai show. With a 3.0-metre long (118.1 in.) wheelbase, and a body that's 5,055 mm (199.0 in.) long, it's one of the biggest non-commercial vehicles on display at the show. With

Chery's new crossover appears very upscale for an entry-level brand. The Chinese automaker plans on undercutting currently available brands by up to 30 percent. (Photo: Visionary Vehicles)

angular styling, it has the ability to transport up to eight people in comfort.

Though introduced several weeks prior to the Shanghai show, Chery also announced its new-generation T11 (Tiggo) compact sport utility vehicle. Described as having Toyota RAV4 "undertones" which are particularly evident from the rear end, the 4,285 mm (168.7 in.)-long, 1,765 mm (69.5 in.)-wide and 1,715 mm (67.5 in.)-tall T11 rides on its own Chery-developed platform which has a wheelbase of 2,510 mm (98.8 in.). Automotive consulting firms Japan MAE and Lotus were called in to assist in the engineering and development phases of the T11, and as such, it should perform admirably amongst its peers in the over-crowded junior SUV marketplace.