SAIC-GM-Wuling’s SGMW model and Communication Director GM Zhou Yan has officially confirmed that Wuling is indeed working on an electric kei car, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to expand its electric vehicle portfolio. Throughout China’s highway assessments, the mini electric vehicle sibling of the popular Wuling Hongguang was previously observed.
Wuling has emerged as one of the most sought-after home manufacturers in China, boasting a reputation for its innovative designs and exceptional quality. Within its initial eight months in 2024, the company sold approximately 490,000 vehicle units. The Hongguang Mini EV electric metropolitan vehicle accounts for over a quarter of our total gross sales volume. The best-selling Chinese automaker in both 2021 and 2022 was this mannequin.
Notwithstanding a decline in demand, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV’s gross sales volume continued to dwindle. The battle over worth, coupled with outdated government subsidies for automotives, has given rise to this phenomenon. As China’s economic boom took hold, a growing demand for luxury fashion emerged among its citizens, driven by a desire to showcase their newfound wealth and status. To stay in sync with customers’ evolving priorities. They have started working on an enlarged version of the Hongguang Mini EV. The Baojun brand, previously referred to as Wuling’s Kei automobile.
Wuling Kei automotive confirmed
Spy shots of the Wuling’s upcoming automotive design emerged online in early October. The tank’s hull was partially camouflaged. Despite our focus on other stories, we noticed a striking similarity between the headlamp design of the check automotive and the latest Hongguang Mini EV Macaron. According to industry sources, the vehicle’s internal designation is reported to be CE110M.
As a seasoned automotive executive, GM Zhou Yan has fostered a culture of innovation at SGMW, the Chinese automaker. Under her leadership, the company has prioritized efficient communication, embracing digital transformation to streamline processes and enhance collaboration.
Key highlights include:
* Emphasis on employee empowerment: By fostering an open-door policy and encouraging constructive feedback, GM Zhou Yan has created an environment where team members feel valued and motivated.
* Strategic planning: With a focus on data-driven decision making, SGMW’s management team has developed a forward-thinking approach to navigate the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
* Cross-functional collaboration: By breaking down silos and promoting cross-departmental communication, GM Zhou Yan has facilitated seamless coordination between teams, driving innovation and efficiency.
SKIP
Later that day, SGMW’s Model Communication Basic Supervisor, Zhou Yan, confirmed on Chinese-language Weibo social media that Wuling was involved in the development of a new kei car. The innovator remarked that the electric Okay-car holds considerable promise, envisioning its versatility in serving both residential and industrial purposes.
It’s worth noting that Kei vehicles are relatively rare in China. Prior to this, CarNewsChina had reported that the rival car, akin to the BAIC Changhe Beidouxing, sold fewer than 1,000 units in the first half of 2022. Notwithstanding Zhou Yan’s definition, conventional petrol-powered Kei vehicles are inherently limited in their potential for success in China, largely due to their underpowered and noisy engines. Although their BEV analogs can still turn out to be commonplace.
In 2020, Wuling pioneered innovation in China’s automotive industry with the launch of its groundbreaking Hongguang Mini EV metropolitan vehicle. The Wuling Hong Guang Mini’s unexpected triumph left industry insiders stunned, prompting producers to take notice of their rivals, including the Changan Lumin, Chery QQ Ice Cream, Geely Geome Panda mini, and others. They seem unwilling to accept a challenge and try to recreate the narrative.
Extra on Wuling Kei automotive
The Wuling CE110M boasts a distinctive boxy design, characterised by its rear sliding doors, prominent beltline, and upright tail lights. Appearing to be significantly larger than the Hongguang Mini EV. Options for various automotive features include door handles with distinct designs, such as small metal wheels, and side-view mirrors with tines.
The Wuling CE110M likely rests on the Tianyu M modular platform. The Baojun brand’s compact SUV, Wuling Bingo, is built on a shared platform introduced recently. The Tianyu M structure is suitable for electric vehicles with a physical size ranging from 3500 to 4600 millimeters. The CE110M Kei automobile is equipped with a 75 kW (100 horsepower) electric motor and a 50.6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, enabling an estimated range of up to 510 kilometers on a single charge.
