Chery first Chinese brand in Thailand

The company will take part in the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show.

The price of the products has currently not been revealed, but all vehicles to be sold at the show will be imported completely built up from China.

The company plans three vehicles for the Thai market: the QQ compact car, the Tiggo SUV and the Cross MPV.

"In China we currently sell over 10 different models. We are researching a pickup and will also consider launching this in the Thai market in the future. Thailand is a very important market for Chery. We currently have production facilities in Indonesia and Malaysia and will consider Thailand in the future," Mike Gao, Chery International sales manager for Asia-Pacific and South Africa, said yesterday.

All Chery products sold here will come with a warranty of three years or 100,000 kilometres.

The main seller is expected to be the QQ, which comes with a 1.1-litre engine and which Thai Chery Yarnyon claims is compatible with E20 gasohol.

The Tiggo SUV, which the company says is more a sports activity vehicle (SAV) than SUV, comes with a 2.0-litre engine. The Cross MPV comes with a 2.4-litre engine and can seat seven.

"We expect to sell 4,000 units this year, of which more than 3,000 will be the QQ and the remaining 1,000 will be a combination of the Tiggo and the Cross. In China we have the A3-hybrid. We will look at whether this product is ideal for the Thai market as well," Gao added.

The first Chinese-made hybrid, the A3 sells in China in regular and diesel versions, with a 1.8-litre engine.

Thai Chery Yarnyon plans to have five dealers in Bangkok and 15 upcountry by the end of the year, for a total investment of Bt200 million.

Company officials said they would focus on safety and ensure that all vehicles have ABS and air bags.