Fengshen L60

China Daily | Updated: 2015-03-09 07:55

Dongfeng Fengshen's latest L60 sedan has rolled off the production line in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province. It is the Chinese brand's first model since Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Co Ltd took control of the French carmaker.

The new model is assembled on PSA Peugeot Citroen's PF2 platform following the French group's design, research and development blueprint. The joint venture's platform was also used for Peugeot's localized 408 sedan.

The L60, positioned as a large compact sedan, has a longer than average wheelbase of 2,710 millimeters and is 4,712mm in total length.

The Sino-French joint venture said it had created an efficient powertrain for the new model with the Peugeot Citroen 1.8-liter and 1.6-liter CVVT engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged edition is also planned after the plant begins production of the 1.6-liter turbo engine.

The car was built in accordance with the latest European safety guidelines, and the body, six airbags and Bosche ESP 9.0 also meet China's five-star safety standard, according to the company.

Dongfeng Motor Corp solely owns the Fengshen brand, and the production of Fengshen's model on Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen's platform is an innovation by the group, and has started a new era for the Chinese joint venture, said Liu Weidong, deputy general manager of Dongfeng Motor.

"We set the first example that a local brand's local model was developed by three companies - from China, international and a joint venture," Liu said.

The model is set to be launched on March 25. The L60 will be distributed through Dongfeng Motor channels for Fengshen, as the brands will maintain their independence when dealing with customers.