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Audi China chief now global board member

Audi China head Dietmar Voggenreiter, 46, will become the Audi AG board of management member for sales and marketing from Nov 1, replacing Luca de Meo.

Audi achieved sales of about 579,000 units in China last year, 700 percent more than in 2007, the year he took the position.

The promotion demonstrates the importance of the Chinese market and strengthens the close relationship of FAW-Volkswagen Audi with Audi AG, the joint venture said.

Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board of management of Audi AG, said Voggenreiter is an excellent business manager and is expected to lead the brand toward more outstanding achievements worldwide, according to the news release.

Dongfeng Renault plans local EV model

Dongfeng Renault, based in Hubei province, announced a plan to locally manufacture an electric model based on the Renault Fluence ZE, with production to start in 2017 at its plant in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province.

The joint venture will develop this model with Dongfeng Motors' badge and will offer it exclusively on Chinese market to provide a sustainable mobility.

Jacques Daniel, president of Dongfeng Renault Automobile Co, said the plan is an expression of the company's commitment to sustainable development.

Mistra models recalled over safety concerns

The Sino-South Korean joint venture Beijing Hyundai announced a recall of 36,484 locally produced Mistra from Sept 30 due to potential risks after long running.

The Mistras manufactured from July 12, 2013, to July 31, 2014, with an Electric Stability Control system used faulty soft hoses that could crack in extreme situations. After long driving, the faulty hose may lead to weakened braking force because of brake oil leakages.

The joint venture will contact car owners through its dealers to replace the hoses free of charge to eliminate the risk, according to an announcement on the website of the country's quality watchdog.

Imported cars eligible for Beijing NEV plates

Beijing for the first time listed two imported pure electric models on Sept 30 among the cars eligible for the new-energy vehicle plate lottery and subsidies.

The Tesla Model S and BMW i3 were on Beijing's fourth list that residents who receive an NEV plate quota can choose from. Applicants for NEV plates have a better chance in the lottery system than those seeking plates for conventional vehicles.

The buyers of the two models will also receive a subsidy of up to 54,000 yuan (8,508) from the local government, and be waived the tens of thousands of yuan purchase tax.

Shanghai and Hangzhou have granted NEV plates and subsidies to imported cars since last year, and Shenzhen has applied the same policy to the BMW i3 from August.

Recall of China-made Mitsubishi Lancers

South East (Fujian) Motor will start a recall from Oct 28 for 39,788 Mitsubishi Lancers with safety risks and will replace the faulty parts with improved ones for free, according to an announcement by the country's quality watchdog.

Lancer models manufactured locally from July 10, 2009, to May 23, 2011, have faulty gasoline and ventilation hoses that may crack in extreme circumstances and cause fuel leaks. The automaker will arrange free replacements with improved parts to remove the safety hazards. Dealer will contact car owners about the recall, or owners may get in touch with their dealerships to make an appointment for replacements.

Motoring

(China Daily 10/12/2015 page18)