Chery Motors — China’s largest automaker — has announced that it will delay the launch of its B21 model into the European market. Despite a lackluster safety record by Chinese automakers, the delay is actually unrelated to any safety issues. Instead, Chery and its suppliers will rework the car’s interior to make it more desirable to the European buyer.
“The design was for the domestic [Chinese] market,” one supplier told Automotive News.
Production of the B21 — also known as the A-6 — was slated to begin later this month, but has been pushed back to later this year. No exact date for production was given.
Chery’s move into Europe — albeit delayed — is an indication of the company’s plan for worldwide expansion. The automaker recently entered into a joint agreement with Israel Corp., and already has partners in Iran, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Argentina. Chrysler will also soon begin selling a version of the Chery A1 in Mexico, with plans to eventually bring the model to U.S. shores.
