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.
01/07, 10:23 AM
posted by:
frylock350
“The design was for the domestic [Chinese] market,”
What the Europeans don’t like lead in their interiors?
01/07, 10:51 AM
posted by:
Veda
Let the europeans perfect their safety ratings first through some hard lessons then once they become good enough for the US market, we can get them at K-Mart.
01/07, 10:57 AM
posted by:
frylock350
I’d rather not see them in the US market at all. But then again I don’t like seeing any imports.
01/07, 10:58 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Let’s see…Chery redesigning the interior of this B21 thing…Chrysler redesigning the interior of the Sebring/Avenger…Chrysler planning on selling Chery B21 in North America. Am I the only one seeing a pattern here?
01/07, 11:14 AM
posted by:
corvette
the entrance into the north american market sounds the end.
01/07, 11:29 AM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
I personally wont put my life in the hands of anything built in a country that values life so little.
Made in the China is a warning statement, not something put on a product for pride. They would not put it on there if they did not have to.
01/07, 11:39 AM
posted by:
Brendino
@frylock – I think it’s just that Europeans expect a nice interior, and if Chery doesn’t deliver there are plenty of other options. The Chinese don’t have a lot of quality cars there and they’re looking more at value anyways.
Though I think you were just making a joke
01/07, 12:15 PM
posted by:
RicardoHead
To sell it in Asia they have little Mickey Mouses decorating the interior.
In Europe the interior needs stupid ghey colored pokadots.
When they bring it to the USA they’ll need leather, 18 cupholders, and a place to store your medications.
01/07, 12:57 PM
posted by:
livelyjay
And Europe rejoices as the drastic increase in the car crash death rate is put on hold …
01/07, 1:19 PM
posted by:
autonut
Ricardo, you forgot iPod adapter and cell phone handle.
01/07, 1:49 PM
posted by:
Commodore
Gross. I really don’t want to see this on Euro streets
01/07, 2:49 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
I can’t wait – one of these should look good as a hood ornament on the front of my Suburban.
01/07, 3:05 PM
posted by:
LP640
GOOD, BECAUSE I THINK I CAN WAIT !
01/07, 10:23 PM
posted by:
hateful83
China makes everything, why not make cars? I’m sure they’ll sell them at walmart.
01/09, 5:52 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
frylock350 “What the Europeans don’t like lead in their interiors?†good one.
“But then again I don’t like seeing any imports.†Imports make domestics better.
LP640: GOOD, BECAUSE I THINK I CAN WAIT ! Me, too!
Comment by hateful83: “I’m sure they’ll sell them at Wal-Mart.†In Germany, you could at one point get a small French car as part of a package deal at a supermarket. Don’t think it was wal-mart, though.