WULING

A comprehensive history of early Wulings can be found in Volume 2 of On a Global Mission: The Automobiles of General Motors International

Wuling sold over one million units each year since 2009. With a 44% interest in SAIC-GM-Wuling, General Motors regards Wuling as a GM marque, while in China it is an ‘independent’ brand. Wuling sold more than 5.6 million Zhiguangs thus far, over 5 million RongGuangs/Chevrolet N300, and almost 6.5 million HongGuangs/Chevrolet N400.

In 2023 SAIC-GM-Wuling sold 1.4 million vehicles vs 1.6 million in 2022. The annual sales volume in 2023 was 500,232 Wuling passenger cars, 639,681 commercial vehicles, 51,641 Baojuns and 211,512 units overseas, a year-on-year increase of 9%.

As SGMW’s commercial car brand, the Wuling models are traditionally rear-wheel drive with a rigid rear axle, including the electric HongGuang MINI EV and Air ev. The late 2020 Victory however, which was intended as a Baojun, and the re-badged 730 are front-wheel drive, as are the Wuling-branded Baojun models (Cortez and Almaz) in Indonesia.

This continued at the arrival of the Xingchen Asta and Nano EV in autumn 2021, and the 2022 Jiachen and 2023 Xingchi, which all are Baojun-based. The recent pure electric Bingo also has front-wheel drive.

The Nano EV is actually a Baojun E200 with a new badge, seemingly signaling the demise of the Baojun brand.

Recent Wuling specifications can be found at Global Mission SGMW update and at SGMW electric cars.

Wuling Zhiguang V (CN050V) December 2016 - 2020

Following the success of the 2015 HongGuang/RongGuang V, the engine was now moved forward under the hood (with the wheelbase extended by 10 cm) instead of under the front seats as was the case with the earlier Zhiguangs. This little microvan, about 4 meters long, with a rigid rear axle and leaf springs, was for commercial use and could accommodate up to eight seats.

Zhiguang sales dropped from 90,000 in 2017 to 80,000 in 2018, and 43,000 in 2019, after these had lowered with some 100,000 each year since in 2010 the 700,000 mark was neared, a number achieved in a similar upward move since sales started in 2003. The Zhiguang outsold its competitors Jinbei Xiaohai Lion X30 and Dongfeng Xiaokang K07II in 2019, while the larger RongGuang S (60,000 in 2019) outsold the Zhiguang.

Though the Sunshine name was mentioned in China in the early years of its career, this name nowadays is only shown in publications in English, and is not familiar to the Chinese. The Zhiguang V sold only marginally compared to the Zhiguang, and it was deleted by 2020, when no National 6b engines appeared for the Zhiguang S and the extended Zhiguang either, leaving the (3^rd generation) 2013 model Zhiguang with 2, 5 or 7 seats, as well as the pick-up models. The speed limit for the Zhiguang and RongGuang S, equipped with the upgraded 1.2 56 kW national 6b engine, became 100 km/h (105 km/h for the extended RongGuang), while both RongGuang S and extended version were now available with electrical power steering.

The original (2008) RongGuang is still popular in Egypt as Chevrolet Move N300, while in South America it has been replaced by the HongGuang V based Chevrolet N400.

In 2021, 40,000 Zhiguang (S) were sold (vs 66,000 RongGuang S). In the summer of 2022, the (2013-style) extended Zhiguang model was deleted.

In 2022 about 25,000 RongGuang S, and over 33,000 extended RongGuangs left the factory (of which 6,000 EV). Wuling sold almost 32,000 (notably 2013-style) Zhiguangs in 2022.

A (2013-style) Zhiguang with a 75 kW 1485cc engine arrived in April 2023, increasing the top speed from 100 km/h to 115 km/h. After an absence of 2 years, this 1.5 engine was also available again in the RongGuang S.

Wuling HongGuang S3 (CN120S) November 2017 – 2022

This 7-seater was presented as Wuling’s first SUV (but relocated as an MPV in March 2018), with the availability of an independent rear suspension with ESC on the top models. On an 8 cm extended HongGuang chassis, it kept the classical longitudinally placed front engine with rear-wheel-drive. In 2019, about one quarter (88,500) of HongGuangs were S3 models. An automatic clutch model became available in March 2019, a Wuling novelty. This was not the 5-speed Aisin version, used by Baojun for this 1485cc engine, but a Schaeffler-built 6-speed unit. The only Wuling with a conventional automatic transmission has been the HongGuang S from August 2014 for about two years.

The HongGuang S3 effectively replaced the HongGuang S1, which wasn’t a success. Firmer footed, lower, but hardly wider than the HongGuang S, the higher price of the S1 had persuaded people to opt for the Baojun 730.

The S1 started being built as Wuling Confero in Indonesia in July 2017, to which the 6-speed electronic clutch unit was made available in spring 2019. The price difference with the (second generation) Baojun 730 based Wuling Cortez was here larger than in China. A more commercial Wuling Formo, still with rear coil springs, was added in November 2018, with the ex-Daewoo 1206cc engine.

In January 2023 Wuling Indonesia introduced the Formo Max, a Formo-derived truck with the 1485cc engine, on a 316 cm wheelbase and with rear leaf springs. Wuling China never offered a Hongguang-derived truck, but the new Rongguang truck from July 2018 has a wheelbase a 335 cm.

In 2021, over 30,000 HongGuang S3 units were sold, in 2022 less than 20,000.

Wuling new HongGuang S (CN115) August 2018 -

Still sold next to its predecessor (CN112), which it is now only offered with a 1.2 engine and leaf springs, this is the first rebodied basic HongGuang, itself dating from September 2010. The rear axle is the rigid 5-link with coils, but a base model with rear leaf springs was added in March 2019. GM Media reported: “In the process of product design and construction, the new Wuling HongGuang S changed the new MPV idea, brought the SUV feeling into the MPV, and continued to promote the advantages of family space, power, fuel consumption and other products.”

The first HongGuang S from August 2013, incorporating a Chevrolet-style chrome-plated bar, had elevated HongGuang sales to over 500,000, depressing Zhiguang/Sunshine sales under the half million mark, and keeping Wuling as the top car model seller in China for 15 years in a row from 2003 up to 2017 (10 years Zhiguang/Sunshine, 5 years HongGuang). In 2019, with 375,000 units, total market HongGuang sales ranked third after the Volkswagen Lavida and Great Wall Haval H6, but it kept the first place among MPVs.

Following GM Media “the nameplate has been especially popular among small and intermediate enterprises, as well as private entrepreneurs, for personal and business use”. About 6% of all HongGuangs in 2019 had the 1.2 engine. Both ‘classic’ and new HongGuang S models are 7-seaters, but 5-seat and 8-seat configurations are possible.

Almost 195,000 HongGuang S models were sold in 2021, of which 30,000 with the old body of 2010. Over 130,000 HongGuang S were sold in 2022, and 114,500 in 2023.

Wuling HongGuang V (CN110V) March 2019 -

On a 13 cm longer wheelbase and with the 1485cc engine, this commercial-orientated model with sliding passenger door and a leaf spring rigid rear axle, was sold till 2020 next to the cheaper RongGuang V, which is basically the same vehicle. Originally, this new HongGuang V was meant to be sold as RongGuang V to succeed on it, itself launched in 2015 as a HongGuang V, to be renamed later that year to set it apart from the HongGuang MPV, with the original RongGuang and S basically a different smaller design.

Both have a short front end, with the driveshaft to the rear wheels beneath the floor. The new HongGuang V is a sturdy-looking 7-seater, but also available as a 2-seater or 5-seater, just as the RongGuang V, which has also an 8-seat option. The side middle door of the HongGuang V has a width of over 700 mm, making it more convenient to load cargo and easier for passengers to get in and out. It is known as Chevrolet N400 as a panel van or as a minivan, with availability in some markets of the 1.2 engine, which only came in July 2020 in China, as well as an 8-seater, taking second place to the RongGuang V, itself losing the 1.2 engine in April 2021.

At 4000L, the maximum cargo volume of the HongGuang V is 300L less than that of the RongGuang V.

By August 2021, it arrived as Chevrolet Tornado Van in Mexico.

About 95,000 HongGuang V (& RongGuang V) were sold in 2021 in China, and 13,700 HongGuang V exported as Chevrolets. Almost 75,000 were sold in China in 2022.

Wuling HongGuang Plus (CN150M) October 2019 –

With the same wheelbase as the HongGuang S3, but over 10 cm wider, the HongGuang Plus looks more solid, without the wedge shape of the S3, which as a turbo has about the same price as the Plus. The new car adopts “2”, "2 + 2 + 3" and "2 + 3 + 3" seat layouts, followed by a “2+3” 5-seater in December 2019. The maximum cargo volume is more than 3 times as big as for the S3. In November 2019, one HongGuang Plus was sold against each five HongGuang S.

The HongGuang Plus is 5 cm lower than the HongGuang V, while the tailgate threshold height is 5 cm higher, and the maximum cargo volume is between that of the RongGuang V and the HongGuang V. The rigid rear axle has leaf springs for the basic models, and coil springs for the others. In May 2020, the non-turbo 1485cc engine became available, accompanying the 1451cc turbo.

In December 2020, top versions with ESC were added. Based on the HongGuang Plus, the micro-tourer 1.5 turbo was released in December 2021, with a 17,000 yuan price increase. In this 4-seater camping van, the third row is transformed into a multi-variable combination cabinet. Curtains are installed on the car windows.

About 25,000 HongGuang Plus were sold in 2021, and about 12,000 in 2022.

Wuling RongGuang EV (CN300LEV) July 2020 –

This is the first SGMW electric commercial vehicle, a long-wheelbase RongGuang 7-passenger microvan or panel van (first released in August 2011) with a 60 kW motor, attached in front of the existing rear axle of the gasoline model. Drive ranges are 252 or 300 km. Almost 5,700 were sold in 2021, 6,000 in 2022.

Wuling HongGuang MINI EV (E50) July 2020 –

This four-seater New Energy Wuling was announced in March 2020 with presale from May, resembling a "square box" Japanese (fwd) kei car, but much shorter and with two doors, and an upper hatchback. The length is over 290 cm, the width under 150 cm, and the weight about 700 kg. The power is 20 kW (85 Nm). Depending on capacity, the NEDC battery life is corresponding to 170 km and 120 km. Charging time is about 7 to 9 hours.

The motor/E-axle is located at the rear and is mounted unsprung in front of the 3-link live axle on the left side. The hatch opens halfway down.

The female-oriented Macaron (sweet meringue-based French confection in a variety of colors), launched in April 2021, introduced driver’s airbags (not obligatory in China) to the MINI EV and standard independently tilting of the rear seats (an option on other models since September 2020), and has the alloy wheels of the earlier models replaced by cute-shaped steel wheels, adopted by the regular models in March 2022.

The Macaron is 4,800 yuan more expensive than the regular model, of which there was also a 4,000 yuan cheaper basic version without air conditioning. Technically, both lines are identical.

Raw Coconut White and Merlot Blue "autumn colors” were added in October 2021 to the existing Avocado Green, Lemon Yellow and White Peach Pink, all with a white roof. An optional solid-color roof is available.

The limited edition Macaron Sandwich was introduced in November 2021 with five interior customization solutions, including white peach powder, butter yellow, lemon fruit green, raw coconut white and Merlot blue, at a 5,000 yuan higher price.

More than 1 million HongGuang MINI EVs have now been sold. The HongGuang MINI EV GAMEBOY with the 170 km range extended to 200 or 300 km and a larger 30 kW (110 Nm) motor came in April 2022 and has a 7 cm extended wheelbase, creating more space in the rear, while the rear side windows, viewed from the inside, were extended by an extra half length. The sheet metal differs from the base model. The new car has launched four themed vehicles: Hurricane Phantom, Jungle Adventure, Star Tours and Party Sweetheart. Lime Soda and Cherry Blossom editions were added in September 2022.

At the April 2021 Shanghai Auto Show conference, Wuling announced that the 2-seater HongGuang MINIEV CABRIO will officially put into mass production in 2022. This Changpeng model is on the extended 201 cm wheelbase, using the paneling and 30 kW motor of the Gameboy, and is equipped with two roll bars behind the headrests. It was launched on September 25, 2022, with a range of 280 km, and priced at 99,900 yuan, 3 times the base model. Deliveries started late December 2022.

In November 2022, two new models were added, namely the colorful Macaron model and the painted model, at a 3,000 yuan higher price. The appearance of the two models adopts the two-color matching of lavender purple + white and lemon yellow + white respectively. From the side of the body, the biggest change is that the rim adopts a petal-style low wind resistance rim (earlier seen on the GAMEBOY Party Sweetheart and Cherry Blossom), and the rim also adopts a color-blocking design, which matches the style of the whole vehicle.

Over 425,000 HongGuang MINI EVs left the factory in 2021, and over 550,000 in 2022. Retail sales in 2022 were about 405,000, reduced to 237,000 in 2023.

A Gameboy-bodied Macaron model was launched mid-November 2023 with oval front and rear lamps, and without side skirts and wheel arch extenders, with a motor of 30 kW (92 Nm) and a range of 215 km. This retro car is available in warm white, with five dual car colors including milk apricot coffee, light mango yellow, avocado green, white peach pink and iris blue. There are two interior styles to choose from: Milk Toffee (white + brown) or Brownie Black (black + white). A 20 kW model with a range of 170 km came in late November 2023.

In May 2023, TMT Motors in Vietnam started assembling the 20 kW Wuling HongGuang MINI EV, with 120 km or 170 km drive range as LV1 or LV2, the latter with the darkened LED headlights of the Macaron. Deliveries started late June.

‘Wuling Mini EV’ Macaron and Gameboy models are imported from China into the Philippines since June 2023.

Wuling Kaijie (Victory) (CN220M) November 2020 –

This 6-seater (2+2+2) MPV has the same underpinnings as the Baojun RC-6, lifting Wuling finally out of its rear-wheel-drive layout image. The two middle-row seats are equipped with a four-way slide, the front and rear sliding distance is as long as 56 cm and combined with the sunken folding of the third row of seats, the car is promoted as the 4+X "big four-seater family car". The Flagship models feature a 136.5 cm by 87 cm panoramic sunroof. The 1.5 turbo engine was joined in February 2022 by the new direct-injection 280T.

The Victory (Kaijié in Chinese) uses the new silver Wuling logo, which represents Wuling's high-end and global products. In 2021, sales were 63,300, 21,000 in 2022 and 6,700 in 2023.

A hybrid version with a naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle 2-litre engine was launched late February 2023, called Wuling Kaijié Hybrid Platinum Edition, not called a Wuling Victory. With a price of 129,800 yuan (149,800 for the Luxury model), this most expensive Wuling is much more luxurious than the (narrower) Asta hybrid, without adopting the independent rear suspension of its top model.

Wuling 730 December 2020 –

This is a Wuling-branded Baojun 730 Classic. Online purchase started already in December 2019. Some 1,700 were sold in 2021.

Wuling Zhengtu (CN110P) March 2021 -

This is a double cab 5-seater pickup with a length of over 5 meters, sporty-styled without reminding of a minitruck. The engine is the 1485cc LAR 73 kW. It has a semi-integral body, and six leaf springs at each rear wheel. Optional narrow or wide side steps are offered. Zhengtu means 'long journey', 'expedition’. Wuling Zhengtu has sold more than 20,000 units within three months of its launch.

Wuling Zhengcheng (CN150V) August 2021, (CN150VEV) September 2023

The new Zhengcheng (Jouney) people mover features the 1.5 turbo engine, and has the body of the HongGuang Plus extended to 515 cm, on a 318 cm wheelbase and with sliding doors, and 7 (2+2+3), 8 (2+3+3) or 9-seat (2+2+2+3) layout, the latter with a 47 cm wide side corridor at the 2 center seat rows, next to a two-seat window-sealed version. In 2022, 12,500 were sold, and 7,900 in 2023.

A cheaper commercial model with a naturally aspirated Atkinson 2-litre engine came in September 2022. A purely electric model with 100 kW and a speed of 100 or 105 km/h came in September 2023 as Zhengcheng EV with the same seating layout. The drive range is 360 km. In this model the electric motor is mounted behind the rear axle.

A previous Zhengcheng model with the engine under the front seats was sold from December 2014 to March 2018 (and was optionally available with rear coil springs until 2016). The corridor to the 9-seat rear bench was located between the third row of seats.

Wuling Xingchen (Asta) (730S) September 2021 -

This first Wuling SUV is technically based on the (front-wheel-drive) Baojun 530/560 but with the availability of 18-inch wheels. The transmission is a 6-speed manual or CVT gearbox. The car was officially unveiled at the April 2021 Shanghai International Auto Show and went on sale in September. This is the second model with the silver Wuling logo. Over 2021, 54,500 were sold, 80,000 in 2022 and 42,500 in 2023.

By August 2022, a hybrid model arrived with a 100 kW 2-litre Atkinson engine, and independent rear suspension for the top model (dating back to the 2015 Baojun 560). The electric drive motor generates 130 kW and 320 Nm. This hybrid system can drive in pure electric mode, series (engine charges the battery, motor drives wheels), and parallel (engine and motor work at the same time) according to the working conditions of the vehicle. This model lacked the Asta name.

Wuling Nano EV November 2021 -

This is a 24 kW (less 5 kW) front-wheel-drive Baojun E200 clone with richer colors and paintings. Base price of the “Free Two Go” “Couple Car” Nano EV is 58,800 yuan (without ESC), vs 28,800 yuan for the HongGuang MINI EV. The battery life is 305 km.

The limited (5,000 units) version of the Nano EV [Crazy Animal City with Zootopia’s Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps for 59,800 yuan] was jointly launched by Wuling and Disney at the 2021 Tianjin Auto Show, which opened on September 29. Other limited edition models will be the bilibili (Station B) and Xiaowu Xiaoling (cartoon image).

In February 2022 the 29 kW motor became available as well, after which the Baojun E200 was deleted in March. About 9,500 units were sold in 2022, and 2,000 in 2023.

Wuling Jiachen (730M) June 2022 –

The first 7-seat household MPV under the SAIC-GM-Wuling silver-label brand, was launched on June 15. This Wuling Jiachen on a 1 cm lengthened Xingchen wheelbase, adopts a 2+2+3 seat layout. The middle row of seats can be moved forward and backward by 120mm, and the backrest can be folded back to 150 degrees. The starting price of the 1485cc model is 68,800 yuan vs 69,800 yuan for the Xingchen 1.5 turbo, while the price of the Jiachen 1.5 turbo starts with 81,800 yuan. About 50,000 left the factory in 2022, with 35,000 deliveries, actually succeeding on the Baojun 730. In 2023, 47,000 units were sold.

By June 2023, a hybrid model arrived on 17-inch wheels.

Wuling Air ev (E230) Indonesia: September 2022, China: December 2022

Empowered by the Global Small Electric Vehicle (GSEV) platform, the Wuling Air ev made its global debut in Jakarta, Indonesia on June 1, 2022, to be CKD-built in right-hand drive, with the international market in mind. The car will be sold in more countries around the world in the future. 300 units supported the mobility needs during the November 2022 G20 Summit in Bali. Similarly, 150 cars badged as Chevrolet Spark EV did so during the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Cairo, Egypt. It is the first EV model that SGMW sells outside of China. The 30 kW 4-seater is on the 2010 mm platform of the HongGuang Mini EV Gameboy, and available ranges are 200 or 300 km. Models for Indonesia have a black roof and mirrors, while for China only the A and B-pillars are blackened to create a suspended roof effect.

In China, the 2-seater 30 kW model is on a 1635 mm wheelbase with a curb weight of 818 kg, while the 4-seater on the 2010 mm wheelbase features a 50 kW motor. The battery life is 300 km for each model. The Chinese name is Qíngkōng (Clear Sky). Deliveries in China started in December 2022 (over 2,000), while 7,600 units were delivered in 2023. Indonesia sold 6,000 units in 2022.

In April 2023, the 30 kW 4-seater Air ev was launched in India as MG Comet EV. The models are with or without black roofs. The Wuling Air ev was launched in Thailand in July 2023, fully imported from Indonesia.

In June 2023 it was reported that a 30 kW 4-seater with a range of 200 km was in the pipeline for China.

Wuling Xingchi (310S) September 2022 -

This new SUV actually succeeds on the Baojun RS-3, adopting its underpinnings and 1.5 or 1.5 turbo engine. Prices start at 56,800 yuan vs 69,800 for the RS-3. 21,000 left the factory in 2022, with 10,000 deliveries, and 42,400 in 2023. The 1.5 appeared on the Indonesian market in February 2023, badged "Alvez".

Wuling Bingo (E260) China: March 2023

This electric retro 5-door sedan is 4 meters long and offers a choice of a 30 or 50 kW motor (110 or 150 Nm), with a drive range of 203 or 333 km respectively. The new car adopts a front-drive layout to expand more interior space; the sunken trunk forms an "upper and lower floor" space layout. There are two grades per motor choice, plus a Lingxi Internet model. All series are equipped with 15-inch low-drag design non-alloy wheels as standard. There is a choice of four paint colors: Latte White, Aurora Green, both with optional black roof, Ice Berry Pink with optional white roof, and Phantom Black. With a top speed of 100 km/h, electronic stability control (designed by SAIC Lianchuang Intelligent Network Technology) has been offered since early June 2023. In September 2023 the top speed of the 333 km range vehicles was increased to 120 km/h.

This beauty is offered with a host of accessories including child seats, foldable storage boxes, camping sets, lamps, radios and an inflatable airbed. In the third quarter of 2023, 47,876 Bingos have been sold vs 47,489 HongGuang MINI EVs. In 2023, 167,700 Bingos were sold.

Thanks to the new 50kW three-in-one water-cooled flat wire motor, the Wuling Bingo Lingxi Premium Edition, launched in September 2023, has a cruising range of 410 km and a top speed of 130km/h. The rear torsion beam of the chassis adopts a new closed beam design. The stiffness of the torsion beam is increased by 41%.

Wuling Indonesia released in December 2023 the 50 kW CKD-built right-hand-drive BinguoEV models with a range of 333 km or 410 km, to be sold in Milk Tea, Galaxy Blue or Mousse Green. The word Binguo itself is derived from two Chinese words, ‘bin’ which means ‘numerous’ and ‘guo’ which means ‘result’.

Chevrolet Aveo/Sail (310C) Mexico: April 2023/Chile: November 2023

This hatchback is built in China on the base of the Groove, with smaller wheels and the engine the 1485cc, known from the previous Aveo (Chinese third generation Chevrolet Sail), but with a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission (instead of 5-speed manual/4-speed automatic). A sedan was introduced in June 2023. For the hatchback version, the exclusive “Hello Yellow” color is available.

The sedan came as Chevrolet Sail in Chile in November 2023, and the hatchback will follow in the first half of 2024.

Wuling Xingyun (CN202K) China: September 2023

This hybrid SUV on the Baojun RC-5/Valli platform was unveiled in August 2023. The length, width and height of the new car are 461, 181 and 167 cm, the wheelbase is 270 cm. The ICE is the 100 kW 2-litre Atkinson engine, known from the Kaijie and Asta hybrids, mated to a 100 kW electric motor. The new car has four main body colors to choose from: Xingyao (starshine) white, Xinghui (starlight) coffee, Xingye (starry night) purple, and Xingqing (star magic) green. Six optional colors offered in the “Wuling Xingyun Super Film Factory” are Barbie Pink, Iceberry Pink, Violet Purple, Thermal Orange, Space Silver, Wizard Green, and other colors as well.

2,900 units were sold in 2023.

Wuling XingGuang (Starlight) (F510C) China: November 2023

Wuling’s first sedan is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a Liuzhou Saike 1.5 litre naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle engine with a maximum power of 78 kW, and a 130 kW electric drive motor, using the world’s first electromagnetic DHT gearbox, as well as a Shenlian battery with a three-horizontal and six-vertical structure. There are 70 and 150 km range (CLTC pure electric cruising range) versions (this compares to 50 and 105 km under WLTC operating conditions). A pure electric model with a 100 kW motor (same unit as in the Baojun Yunduo) and a range of 410 or 510 km will be launched in early 2024, to be followed by a 150 kW motor (as in the Buick Electra).

The length, width and height of the car are 483.5/186/151.5 cm, and the wheelbase is 280 cm. The drag coefficient Cd was tested to be only 0.228. This front-wheel-drive car has a four-link independent rear suspension.

The Wuling XingGuang offers a total of six paint colors: Xingyao white, Xinghan purple, Xinghuan green, Xingye grey, Xingmu black, and Xinghui coffee. Over 10,000 units were sold in 2023. Over 80% of the buyers chose the 150 advanced version, of which the price was cut from 105,800 to 99,800 yuan in February 2024.

The top speed of only 145 km/h for the PHEV model will be increased to 185 km/h next year.

An E-REV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) will follow later.

Wuling Bingo Plus (E260MCE) China: March 2024

On a 5 cm longer wheelbase, and 13 mm wider rear track, this electric car has a 75 kW (180 Nm) water-cooled flat wire motor and a top speed of 140 km/h. With a length of 409 cm, it is 14 cm longer than the Bingo. The high-end model (98,800 yuan) of the Bingo Plus is equipped with a battery pack with a capacity of 50.6 kWh and a CLTC pure electric cruising range of 510 km, while the entry-level model (89,800 yuan) figures are 37.9 kWh (the same as in the Bingo Lingxi Premium Edition) and 401 km, equaling those for the upcoming Baojun Yueye Plus, that will use the same 75 kW motor.

Wuling YangGuang EV (N350VEV) China: March 2024

This 498.5 cm long, 180 cm wide panel van with a wheelbase of 305 cm and a top speed of 90 km/h was announced at the end of January 2024. The 60 kW electric motor is mounted in front of the rear axle. There are two configurations with a battery life of 230 km and 300 km.

It is equipped with Wuling’s Red No. 1 battery, the first commercial vehicle battery in its class to adopt a liquid cooling system. It adopts MUST ultra-thin structure technology and is only 148mm thick.

The YangGuang designation was given earlier to an up-market version of the Zhiguang.

Baojun <> Wuling

GSEV (Global Small Electric Vehicle) platform

As of August 2022, cumulative sales of SGMW cars on the GSEV (Global Small Electric Vehicle) platform ) have exceeded one million units, since it introduced its first electric model in 2017. In the first half of 2022, 92% were Wuling HongGuang MINI EV (20 or 30 kW, rear-mounted motor, live axle; prices from 32,800 yuan), 1% were Wuling Nano EV (24 or 29 kW, 2-seater, motor in front, front-wheel-drive; prices from 56,800 yuan), and 7% were Baojun KiWi EV (40 or 50 kW, rear-mounted motor, double wishbones; prices from 87,800 yuan. The 2-seater 30 kW and 4-seater 30 or 50 kW Wuling Air EV with rear-mounted motor and live axle is on the way.

SAIC-GM-Wuling

In 2021, SAIC-GM-Wuling sold 1,660,166 units in the domestic market As early as 2015, SAIC-GM-Wuling became the first car company in China with an annual production and sales volume of over 2 million units. The sales volume has exceeded 2 million units for four consecutive years.

The SAIC-GM-Wuling Indonesia subsidiary was officially put into operation in 2017. It is not only the first Chinese auto company to invest in Indonesia, but also the first time that a Chinese auto brand has invested in equipment and resources overseas to build its own brands and products. In 2021, 25,650 vehicles were sold.

Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Industry

Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Industry Co., Ltd. (established in October 2006 by Wuling Group, integrating its parts, engine and commercial special vehicle business segments) has been offering since February 2020 the RongGuang lwb based EV50 60 kW electric panel van (model code G100) with advanced looking front, and a drive range of 245 or 300 km. In October 2020, a 5-seater (panel van) model was added, after the SGMW-Wuling RongGuang EV models (see above) followed in July 2020. About 5,500 EV50 were sold in China in 2022. Trucks are also available.

The BYD V3 shares the same body with the Wuling EV50, but has a more powerful motor of 75 kW, a 330 km drive range, and a more energy dense BYD blade battery. Another (60 kW) variant is the BAW Xiaohema (little hippo) with a drive range of 270 km.

ELMS (Electric Last Mile Solutions), established in Michigan, USA, sold the EV50 as Urban Delivery from autumn 2021 to June 2022. ELMS was purchased in October 2022 by the Southern California-based automotive company Mullen Automotive, Inc., with the EV50 sold as Mullen Campus (2 or 5 passengers) and releasing in May 2023 the price of the 2-passenger Mullen ONE (developed by ELMS), with a 9-inch extended front end, expected to be the first electric van for sale in the US market in the Class 1 commercial vehicle segment, to be assembled in Tunica, Mississippi. Mullen also now owns the ELMS plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, giving Mullen the ability to produce up to 50,000 vehicles per year. Before the acquisition, Mullen planned for the Class 1 EV to be based on the wider Chinese DFSK EC35.

Currently, the Mullen Class 1 EV cargo van features a 46-killowatt lithium-ion battery pack with a 110-mile range. It is expected that the solid-state polymer technology will deliver more than 200 miles of range on a full charge for the Mullen Class 1 EV cargo van. In general, solid-state batteries offer higher energy density, faster charging time, smaller size, and better safety compared to traditional lithium-ion cells. Mullen will begin testing this technology in its Class 1 EV cargo vans starting in Q4 2023.

In July 2023, production began of the FEST (Future Electric S mart T ransportation) E-box M panel van for delivering to customers in Europe, Turkey, Latin America and other countries. FEST Auto Technology Pte. Ltd. is incorporated in Singapore.

Linxys

Guangxi Automobile Group, established in May 2015, and previously known as Liuzhou Wuling Motors Co., Ltd., together with Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Industry Co., Ltd., where Guangxi Automobile holds 39% of the shares, run Linxys, an MPV project of Wuling only without any direct connection to SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW).

This G200 MPV, in collaboration with Tianqi Meiya, is 452 cm long, 170 cm wide, has a wheelbase of 278 cm and is equipped with a front-mounted Wuling Liuji 1.6-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle range extender, in addition to a rear-mounted 80 kW electric drive motor on a multi-link rigid axle. It will be soon marketed as 2 or 5-seat (window) van Linxys 7S, awaiting the 6/7-seater. The top speed is 156 km/h.

Guangxi's new brand "Linxys Automobile" was officially released at the end of June 2023, when the Linxys Huangjin (Gold) with a wheelbase of 365 cm was launched in the small truck market segment with double rear wheels, featuring the same engine/motor layout as mentioned above, but with a 120 kW electric motor, and on a chassis with front double wishbones, coils and rear leaf springs. The Chinese name is Lingshi. A double cab is in the pipeline.

A 543 cm long Huangjin high-roof pure electric panel van with a rear-mounted 80 kW motor (3 tonne GVW) and on a chassis with a wheelbase of 338 cm, was launched in November 2023. The front suspension is McPherson strut, coils, with leaf springs rear. The top speed is 80 km/h.

Linxys-badged EV50 and truck models arrived in autumn 2023, preceded by Chuang Ling EV50 and truck models, a brand with a diamond-shaped logo, created in December 2019, some of which used lithium ternary instead of iron phosphate lithium batteries.

In July 2021, the Wuling Linxys V50 became available in Peru. This is a 4-seat-row 11-passenger minibus, derived from the EV50, and with the 1485cc gasoline engine. This model is also exported as Wuling G120 with 5, 7, 9 or 11 seats, or as panel van.

Japan

On September 4, 2022, according to Guangxi Automobile Group, Wuling New Energy and Japan ASF Co., Ltd. held the mass production contract signing ceremony of the G050 microvan project. The Japanese side pays the research and development expenses and entrusts Wuling New Energy with the joint manufacture and promotion of Guangxi new energy vehicles to enter the Japanese market for the first time. Deliveries started in May 2023.

In good Japanese manner, the ASF (And Smart Future) 2.0 is 339.5 cm long and 147.5 cm wide, on a 243 cm wheelbase. The height is 195 cm and the motor has a maximum output of 30 kW, while the 30 kWh battery enables a driving mileage of 209 km.

So, after Wuling started copying the Mitsubishi Minicab Kei microvan 40 years earlier, it will now sell its own electric Kei microvan in Japan.

The Mitsubishi Minicab MiEV was released in the Japanese market already in December 2011, the only EV vehicle in its class. Toyota Pixis, Daihatsu HiJet, and Suzuki Every electric mini-commercial vans, all to be produced by Daihatsu, will be released in fiscal year 2023. Honda will launch a battery electric variant of the N-Van in Japan in spring 2024.

With thanks to: https://www.chinacarforums.com/, gmauthority

Far East Auto Literature

18 March, 2024