Chery Auto has announced the first model for its forthcoming Brazilian assembly plant. The Celer, a new name for an existing model, will enter production at the new factory in Jacareí, São Paulo, from late 2013.
Zhou Biren, the president of Chery International and a vice president of Chery Group, said at the Sao Paolo motor show that the Celer will be one of several models to be made at the new plant.
Unlike Chery’s many other assembly plants in other non-Chinese markets, Jacareí will be able to fully manufacture vehicles. Its initial annual capacity will be 150,000 units.
The company said the Celer would be adapted for the local market, with features such as a flex-fuel engine and tougher suspension as well as a higher ride height than the car it is based on, the Fulwin 2. That model was first launched in China during 2009. Chery said the Celer-based car it is displaying at the Sao Paulo show is due to be facelifted before entering local production.
Author: Glenn Brooks
