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[size=75:22j5srnt]Sofia echo Tue, Nov 24 2009

Chinese car maker Great Wall to start production in Bulgaria by end-2010

Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall is to commence production of off-road vehicles in the northern Bulgarian town of Lovech by the end of 2010, the Chinese Xinhua reported, cited by Investor.bg

Great Wall Motor signed an agreement with Litex Motors worth 80 million euro on November 15 2009 and the deal was hailed as "
Bulgaria's chance to prove that the current business climate in the country is sound and stable"
, Investor said.

The Chinese car maker will pay $4 million for its stake in the company that is envisioned to manufacture sport utility vehicles that would be sold at a price of less than $15 000.

As China’s first private automobile enterprise listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the company has more than 30 subsidiaries and more than 22 000 people on its payroll. Great Wall Motor now manufactures sedans and sports utility vehicles and pickups, with an annual capacity of 400 000 complete vehicles.

The company has anticipated on exporting production in Eastern Europe since 2006, and the Litex Motors deal signed in November 2009 can be seen a cornerstone in future expansion in southern Europe. The total output of its Bulgarian joint venture remains as yet undisclosed.

Previously British car manufacturer Rover was contemplating on shifting production of their Maestro and Montego ranges to Varna, an investment which at the time was estimated at $20 million, with an annual output of 10 000 vehicles. Subsequently, Rover Group which owned 51 per cent of the shares and the Bulgarian Daru Group with 49 per cent commenced operation in 1995.

The vehicles manufactured in Bulgaria, however, were perceived to be poorly marketed and overpriced, and the Rover Maestro scheme in Bulgaria eventually collapsed on April 4 1996 with only 2200 vehicles produced.

This all sounds very promising for Bulgaria

I haven't seen anymore about the company for sometime but I do believe they are still building the factory but I don't know anymore than that

It would be nice to know more I wonder if we contacted Great wall they would be able to offer more information?

Seems strange that we don't have anymore information about this? I wonder whats going on with the company

therowfamily wrote:

Seems strange that we don't have anymore information about this? I wonder whats going on with the company

Yes, it does seem strange. Has anyone heard anything further?

I am in contact with the manufacturers and I hope to have some news soon

Any news on these yet Ashley I only as because I haven't seen anything in Bulgaria about these cars yet.

I have manged to get some information for all of you who are interested here is the site for the company in Bulgaria [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Here is a video of the site and some pictures of the development

Its all looking good :Clap:do we know when they will go into production and the cost of the models?

[size=55:1v9kxqpx]novinite

Bulgarian-Chinese Car Models Debut in Veliko Tarnovo



Two of the cars of the Chinese motor company Great Wall to be made in the Bulgarian city of Lovech made their début, the site "
Automedia.bg"
informs.

The models Hover and Steed were shown for the first time over the weekend during the first round of the Bulgarian close-circuit race "
Pista Litex."
They were used as official auto mobiles of the race.

The site reports the two vehicles have generated very strong interest among the audience. This has also been the first time when the company revealed the technical characteristics of their future production.

The prices are still kept secret, but Great Wall say their auto mobiles will offer customers the best price and quality, according to current car manufacturing global trends.

The construction of the plant is in advanced stage with an expected production start date in the second half of 2011 when the small passenger car Voleex, the Steed pick-up, and the SUV Hover will be launched.

The Voleex price in China is about BGN 12 500.

The joint venture plant will have an annual production capacity of 50 000, which are expected to be sold in European Union countries.

The total initial investment is around EUR 80 M, potentially reaching EUR 300 M if the project is successful. The cars are expected to be sold under the Great Wall badge, boosting the firm's output from around 400 000 at present.

The project is considered to be nothing short of a coup for Bulgaria, which does not currently produce any passenger vehicles, though it does have a modest but successful automotive components industry.

The plant will surely be positioned squarely towards export market and by the time production commences, the auto mobile market is expected to be experiencing a post-slump upswing.

This may also be the last chance for the revival of the local auto mobile industry after in mid 1990s Rover set up a joint venture with the Bulgarian Daru Group in Varna, which failed because of a weak market strategy, high prices, and a stronger competitor in the face of Skoda.

Some of the specs

Hover:

Length: 4649 mm
Width: 1810 mm
Height: 1745 mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm
Min. ground clearance: 194 mm
Front / rear approach angle: 30/24 °
Boot capacity: 810-2074 l
Fuel tank capacity: 70 l.

Engine:

Gas-line 4-cylinder, 2.4 liter, with two overhead camshafts and electronic ignition control.
Power 136 hp
Maximum torque of 200 Nm.
Maximum speed 171 km / h.


Steed:

Length: 5040 mm
Width: 1800 mm
Height: 1730 mm
Wheelbase: 3050 mm
Min. ground clearance: 194 mm
Front / rear approach angle: 30/24 °
Boot capacity: 1000 l.
Fuel tank capacity: 70 l.

Engines:

Gas-line 4-cylinder, 2.4 liter, with two overhead camshafts and electronic ignition control.
Power 136 hp
Maximum torque of 200 Nm.
Transmission - 5 speed.

Diesel inline 4-cylinder common-rail, 2.0-liter turbo-compressor with variable geometry.
Power 150k.s.
Maximum torque 310 Nm
Transmission - 6 speed.


Another for Bulgaria only at the moment but later available in Italy.

China hatchback Made in Bulgaria
Voleex model of Great Wall Motor Co. will be assembled at home.
Vehicle production in Bulgaria will be launched in the first half of 2011, as top Chinese assembled car will be sold only within Bulgaria.

I like the look of the one above in white it looks as though it will appeal to the younger generation too.

[size=55:16bvjz97]novinite

Chinese Cars to Be Made in Bulgaria Furor at Ruse University Fair



Prototypes of the cars of Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors that will be produced in Bulgaria's Lovech generated heated interest Thursday at the opening of the auto and agricultural equipment fair at the Ruse University "
Angel Kanchev."


China's Ambassador to Bulgaria Guo Yezhou, Deputy Agriculture Minister Georgi Kostov, and a Romanian delegation from Giurgiu were among those who demonstrated great interest in the two vehicles – a Jeep and a pick-up truck, i.e. the models Hover and Steed – during the expo in the Danube city of Ruse.

The President of Ruse University Prof. Hristo Beloev demonstrated the advantages of the vehicles, reported BGNES. The high-class equipment Chinese Jeep will cost only BGN 33 000 with VAT, or about EUR 16 000.

The construction of the manufacturing plant for the joint venture of Great Wall Motors and the Bulgarian company Litex Motors is in advanced stage with an expected production start date in the second half of 2011 when the small passenger car Voleex, the Steed pick-up, and the SUV Hover will be launched. The Voleex price in China is about BGN 12 500.

The joint venture plant will have an annual production capacity of 50 000, which are expected to be sold in European Union countries.

The total initial investment is around EUR 80 M, potentially reaching EUR 300 M if the project is successful. The cars are expected to be sold under the Great Wall badge, boosting the firm's output from around 400 000 at present.

A total of 23 German companies also participated in the 13th expo of agricultural and auto equipment at Ruse University, which attracted over 100 participants in total with various types of cars, trucks, tractors and agricultural machines, specialized equipment for animal breeding and processing industry.

Looking at the cost of these vehicles I think they are very expensive for Bulgaria and you could find better by looking elsewhere and considering importing them from another country which I feel will still be cheaper than buying them in Bulgaria.

Have to agree, for a "
Made in Bulgaria"
product from a Chinese firm with an unknown product, I feel the price is a little steep. and I am afraid the bland USA type
styling doesn't do them any favours either. I won't be getting rid of my Little Niva just yet.

[size=55:etncb7hg]novinite

7 Models of China Great Wall Cars Debut at Plovdiv Fair

The Fall International Plovdiv Technical Fair will feature seven car models of the Chinese Company Great Wall to be manufactured in its Bulgarian plant in the city of Lovech.

The Fair will be held in Bulgaria's second largest city from September 26 to October 1. The information was reported by the Plovdiv Fair press centre Monday.

A total of 12 vehicles will première in Plovdiv.

BMW is showing for the first time in Bulgaria its 1 Series with 5 doors in a sports urban version and its 6 Series Coupe 650i. Nissan is going to display the 4th generation of its Micra and Mini – its new Coupe Cooper S.

The premières further include two trucks of Piaggio Commercials - Аpe 50 and Ape TM. Fiat 500 has a new TwinAir engine which won the title "
International Engine of the Year 2011. KIA, Mercedes-Benz, BRP will also have model débuts in Bulgaria.

The exhibitors will show a total of 27 brands of the most renowned car makers around the world;
19 models of trucks and heavy duty trucks, cutters, motorbikes and ATVs.

The members of the Association of Auto-mobile Makers in Bulgaria are providing the prizes for the traditional lottery. The top winner will be able to select a brand new car from a total of 10 brands. His or her name will be announced on October 1.