[Beijing Show] Volkswagen Unveils Cars Wholly Developed in China

Apr 28, 2008 19:04 Yoshiro Tsuruhara, Nikkei Automotive Technology

Volkswagen AG unveiled its Lavida and New Bora cars at Auto China 2008 (open to the public from April 22 to 28, 2008).

These models, slated for launch in summer 2008, were developed in China and exclusively targets the Chinese market. They are reportedly the first Volkswagen cars that were wholly developed outside Germany.

These models share the basic mechanism. Lavida will be manufactured and sold by FAW Volkswagen and New Bora by Shanghai Volkswagen.

The New Bora measures 4,540 (L) x 1,775 (W) x 1,467mm (H), and its wheelbase is 2,610mm long. Although information on the engine capacity has yet to be released, it comes in two types of four-cylinder gasoline engines mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode.

Lavida has the same wheelbase and powertrain, but it has a slightly longer and narrower body, which measures 4,608 (L) x 1,743 (W) x 1,465mm (H).

Volkswagen is promoting the brand strategy to increase its global sales by 6.6 million units within the next 10 years. These models will be the flagship for this strategy.

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