Shanghai Auto's Roewe 750 plan

As posted previously, Shanghai Automotive (SAIC) is soon to release their first self-branded model, the Roewe 750 (or Rong Wei 750 in Chinese) , based on the Rover 75 technology they previously acquired from MG Rover. 

Edmunds now reports some interesting information on this executive-class sedan:

• It has a 1.8-liter turbo four or 2.5-liter V6. The V6 generates 184 horsepower and gives the car a top speed of 137 mph.
• It has the longest wheelbase of its segment in China: 112.1 inches.
• Dealers are praising the interior as desirable for Chinese customers and suitable to give strong competition to the Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat Lingyu, Toyota Camry and General Motors LaCrosse in the China market.

SAIC is China's second-largest carmaker and they seem to be taking an interesting and smart path towards achieving the holy grail of a globally-recognized brand, which is what the Chinese manufacturers know they need in order to compete in the major markets.

Shanghai says they do not plan to export this self-branded model before the end of 2009. Meanwhile, other (smaller) manufacturers like Geely, Chery and Nanjing have been making a show of their plans to enter the U.S. market by 2007 or 2008.

Edmunds also talks about Shanghai Auto's upcoming plans:

• Their next self-developed model is due out in first semester 2007: a smaller mid-class sedan, based on a new platform they will build themselves.
• Production capacity will expand to 1 million by 2007, including 50,000 units of self-branded models.
• 30+ models on five platforms will be developed within the next five years covering all market segments.