Coda and Great Wall Come Together to Develop Low-Cost EV
The Beijing International Motor Show has become the backdrop for the union of two big automobile companies. Coda Automotive, a California company has formed a deal with Great Wall Motors of China to develop a low price electric vehicle.
The strength of the two companies will be channeled to a single lane for this project. The two companies are planning to develop this vehicle for North American, Chinese and for European markets.
Coda will put in a maximum of their electric drivetrain development experience into the project, while Great Wall would bring in their chassis development skill and mass-production capability.
It may be noted that Great Wall had last year sold nearly 500,000 units and they are the fastest growing automaker in China. Great Wall Motors is the only Chinese company who has passed the EU Certification standards to export in Europe.
The new electric vehicle’s concept designs will be released by the end of the year. In the US, the vehicle will come with the Coda branding, while in China and other markets, it would bear the Great Wall branding.
The upcoming vehicle is expected to compete with entry level cars like i MiEV and Nissan Leaf.
The deal has not yet been declared officially, and we too are waiting to hear about the joint venture plans from the companies themselves.
