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Qoros launches campaign targeting younger buyers

Chinese automaker Qoros has started its largest-ever sales campaign since its establishment. Joining hands with Tencent and Energy Group, Qoros is inviting celebrities to stream live videos in a program called Crazy Qoros to reach more target customers, with most of them born in the 1990s and 1980s. Meanwhile, the automaker is organizing 20 offline events in five cities across the country in which people can learn more about the brand. Positioning itself as a new premium brand, the automaker now has five models available in the market.

Zhejiang Geely to build innovation hub in Sweden

Geely Auto Group and Gothenburg in Sweden signed a letter of intent on Wednesday to develop a 70,000-square-meter Innovation Center, with a plan to start operation in 2020 in the heart of Gothenburg. The planned Geely Innovation Center will be located at the Lindholmen Science Park in Gothenburg and upon completion will house the China Euro Vehicle Technology Center, Geely Powertrain R&D center, Geely Design Europe, Lynk & Co's International Marketing, Sales and Services, as well as several key suppliers to Geely and serviced apartment facilities.

Hyundai, Kia, Maserati and Mitsubishi see recalls

Chinese authorities announced the recall of more than 44,000 South Korean-branded vehicles, 31,621 Maserati luxury cars and 17,678 Mitsubishi Outlanders over "potential safety risks". On June 23, authorities announced the recall of 43,764 Hyundai Santa Fe models over a defect that can cause the engine to fail. Also, 601 Kia Borrego autos are to be recalled over loose wheel nuts and 40 Kia Sorento vehicles for a defective engine pipe that can leak and catch fire. Maserati's President, Ghibli and Levante models featured on the recall list could face fire risks as wires in the front seats frequently rub the seat control motor. The Mitsubishi Outlanders have some sub-standard door lock parts that could cause the door to open while driving.

Germany moves to crack down on vehicle emissions

Germany will discuss a national plan to cut pollution from diesel engines and set up a new organization to test vehicles to try to restore consumer confidence after Volkswagen's emissions scandal. The moves - almost two years after the Volkswagen scandal broke - come as the German government faces growing pressure ahead of national elections on Sept 24 to reduce emissions or see some cities ban diesel cars.

Could Apple's next big thing be a car?

The California technology colossus behind the iPhone has confirmed its interest in self-driving cars, but experts are trying to deduce the secretive company's plans for traction in a market where others have been speeding along. In mid-June, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that the company is focusing on software that powers automated-driving vehicles, referring to it as "by far the most important project in artificial intelligence". Cook depicted electric vehicles, self-driving cars and ride-sharing as major forces shaping the future of the automobile.

LeEco pulls back from Yidao amid cash crunch

LeEco has stepped back from controlling the money-losing ride-hailing business Yidao Yongche, amid escalating internal strife and mounting capital pressure. Yidao said late Wednesday that LeEco is no longer its controlling shareholder. The Beijing-based company said a new controlling shareholder is already in place, without providing details. Yidao will maintain its current management team and will soon unveil major adjustments in its business strategy, including pricing and driver subsidy policies, the company said. However, the founding team announced in April their leaving while the drivers and users ran into difficulties with cash withdraws and refunds.

Motoring - Agencies

(China Daily 07/03/2017 page19)