Chrysler, Great Wall join hands for small car

Shanghai, October 7, 2008 - (Gasgoo.com) Great Wall Motor is developing an A-class small car with Chrysler LLC, and the Chinese carmaker has commissioned a domestic auto design firm to create all-new car models, said 163.com today.

Sources said that since mid-August Chrysler has sent several technicians to supervise the development of Great Wall's new models. The previous model designed by Great Wall has been replaced by a new one, whose design the Chrysler technicians get involved in. This jointly-developed A-class model is likely to carry the Chrysler label. It will be made in Great Wall Motor's Baoding facility and sold worldwide.

This all-new model, to be finalized by the end of this year, will include many Chrysler features. The engineering design of the model is commissioned to a Chinese design firm, which will also create B-class and C-class models for Great Wall. In the coming two years, Great Wall will roll out about five new models, including the A-class model it's jointly developing with Chrysler.

After the lawsuit over Great Wall's small car Gwperi ruled as copy of Fiat Panda, the Chinese carmaker said its all-new small car models will not allow any hint of "copying" other models in every detail, which must be different from the design of others.

A supplier for Great Wall Motor said that Chrysler appreciates the cost control and stringent management of Great Wall and that's the main reason for it to cooperate with this Chinese carmaker after its delayed talks with Chery Auto and weakening venture with Beijing Auto.

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