DaimlerChrysler MPVs made in China to hit market early next year

Multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) made in China for DaimlerChrysler, a German-American auto joint venture, will be on the market early next year, sources from Fujian Motor Group (FJMG) said.

Each MPV is installed with fewer than 20 seats and the first group of MPVs to hit the market will be Chrysler Minivans which will be made by Southeast Motor Co. Ltd, an arm of FJMG, an executive with FJMG said.

The FJMG executive disclosed that they had been given the go-ahead after negotiating with DaimlerChrysler over the launch of a MPV-producing joint venture for more than three years.

The joint venture, with an investment of 188 million euros, is designed to have an annual production capacity of 40,000 MPVs in the primary stage and 60,000 MPVs later. Apart from Grandvoyagers, the joint venture will also make other MPV varieties such as Sprinter, Vaneo and Viano.

Preparation for the joint venture, including design of the workshops, actual construction, recruitment of the workers has been going on for more than one year.

"It is expected the business license for the joint venture will be obtained within this month and the joint venture will be inaugurated next month," said the FJMG executive.

Source: Xinhua