Qoros, the new China-based luxury car brand involving Chery, is to show its first series production car at the Geneva Motor Show.
The world premier is described as an “elegant” compact (C-segment) car with the official international model designation, the Qoros 3 Sedan.
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In addition, two concept studies will also be shown by the brand. They are described as providing “a clear indication of the new manufacturer’s future model family expansion plans”.
Qoros says the new brand is targeting the lifestyle needs and expectations of modern, metropolitan, ‘always-connected’ target customers in China and Europe.
The Qoros 3 Sedan, which is entering a pre-production development phase after two summers and two winters of extensive testing at key locations around the world, is due to be launched in China in the second half of 2013, with first European sales following later in the year. The launch of further Qoros models is then planned at intervals of approximately six months.
Qoros cars will be produced in a new assembly plant in Changshu, China.
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By GlobalDataQoros says the new range of Qoros models is being designed and engineered by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent, and has been developed with the support of suppliers such as Magna Steyr, TRW, Continental, Bosch, Getrag, Benteler, Lear, Microsoft, Harman, Neusoft-Alpine and Iconmobile.
The company claims that rapid expansion of the model range will be achieved thanks to an “innovative modular vehicle architecture developed in-house at Qoros” and it says the “clean, elegant styling direction draws heavily on contemporary European themes to give all Qoros models an unmistakable brand identity”.
Qoros models will also feature an infotainment system which Qoros claims is unique in the automotive field. Featuring an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen, the system was developed in-house by Qoros with displays designed for minimal driver distraction, “replacing the array of switches and buttons that blight many modern car interiors”. The system features an advanced navigation system, extensive social networking connectivity and the ability for drivers to monitor their car’s health and, for example, to book dealer service appointments.
Qoros aims to achieve top scores on both European and Chinese crash tests for all its models.
Founded in 2007, Qoros is an equal joint venture partnership between Chery Automobile, China’s biggest independent automotive manufacturer, and Israel Corporation, a global industrial holding company.
Qoros is based in Changshu where construction of its new production facility is nearing completion. “The factory has an initial annual production capacity of 150,000 units, with potential for expansion to 450,000 units,” said Alexander Wortberg, Qoros’ Director of Production (formerly of BMW).
Qoros operates an engineering centre in Shanghai, which is also the base for many commercial and purchasing functions, with further operations in Munich (Germany) and Graz (Austria).
Qoros has been quick to emphasise its recruitment of talent from established companies. It says key positions are held by experienced specialists from the automotive industry and related industry sectors, who have gained their expertise working for global companies and brands such as BMW, Volkswagen, Saab, Volvo, General Motors, and Jaguar Land Rover.
The Qoros Board is led by:
- Quo Qian, Chairman and President, who is also Chief Operating Officer of the Chery Group Co.
- Volker Steinwascher, Vice President, who formerly led Volkswagen in North America.
They are supported by:
- Xingcha Fan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer
- Gert Volker Hildebrand, Executive Director of Design leading the Qoros design studios in Munich and Shanghai; formerly Head of Design for the MINI brand
- Stefano Villanti, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Product Strategy
- Klaus Schmidt, Executive Director of Vehicle Engineering
- Peter Matkin, Executive Director of Vehicle Programs
- Roger Malkusson, Executive Director of Vehicle Integration
- Ralf Nicolas, Executive Director of Quality
