Chinese car manufacturer China Automobile has begun selling cars in Germany.
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Two sports utility vehicles, the CEO and Ufo, have gone on sale at around 80 dealers, reported Automobilwoche. A further five models are due to be added to the line-up by the end of this year.
The CEO is similar in appearance to the BMW X5, and is based on an early Mitsubishi Pajero. It is on sale for EUR25,900. The first version has a 125 horsepower 2.4-litre petrol engine, which emits 232g/km CO2. Additional versions due in the autumn will have a 165hp petrol engine and a V6 diesel.
The Ufo ressembles the Toyota RAV4. Its base price is EUR15,990 and it comes with a two-litre 129hp petrol engine (220g/km CO2 emissions) and a 2.4-litre petrol engine developing 136hp (229g/km CO2 emissions).
Automobilwoche said China Automobile is planning to launch another SUV, the GX6, which is inspired by the Toyota Land Cruiser, after the summer. It will cost around EUR25,000. Other future models are a light commercial vehicle (like the Fiat Ducato), and a pick-up.
At the Paris show in October the company will exhibit some cars.
According to Automotive News Europe, the Ufo is produced by Zhejiang Jonway and the CEO by Shuanghuan Automobile. BMW reportedly tried to stop the CEO going on sale.
