Vietnamese automaker, Chinese partner debut first mini EV
HANOI, Vietnam - Vietnamese car manufacturer TMT Motors unveiled on Thursday the first flagship micro electric car, the Wuling HongGuang MINI EV, marking its debut in the local industry of electric vehicles with what has been known as the world's best-selling microcar for three years in a row, TMT Motors said in an online statement, reported Xinhua.
"Externally, the first Wuling HongGuang Mini EV, featuring a colour-coordinated peach pink and white roof, has been meticulously finished with details," said TMT Motors.
The mini electric car has been assembled at the existing facilities of TMT Motors in the northern province of Hung Yen, about 40km southeast of the capital of Hanoi. Currently, the facilities have an annual capacity of 30,000 units and is set to double this number to 60,000 units, the Vietnamese automaker said.
The electric car is the brainchild of SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile, a joint venture between Chinese automakers SAIC Motor and Guangxi Automobile Group, and US firm General Motors.
TMT Motors and the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture in February signed a strategic cooperation agreement, in which the former has the exclusive right to manufacture, assemble and distribute Wuling mini models in Vietnam. The Chinese partner is committed to supplying components and auto parts to ensure quality and delivery.
"The Hongguang MINI EV is set to play a role in opening the mini electric vehicle segment in Vietnam," TMT Motors chairman Bui Van Huu said at the signing ceremony.
The micro electric car is introduced in Vietnam with two doors and four seats. Despite its diminutive size, the vehicle offers major practicalities that meet the travel needs of Vietnamese consumers, especially for those driving a moderate distance daily and want to save money, TMT Motors said.
The car manufacturer also highlighted that the Wuling HongGuang has a wall-mounted charging box as a medium for charging electricity at home, thus making charging easier than full-sized electric cars.
The Vietnamese automaker has yet to announce the retail price of the microcar but cost-conscious Vietnamese customers expect prices to start at around 100 million Vietnamese dong (US$4,200).
TMT Motors is set to take orders for the Wuling HongGuang MINI EV in the second quarter of the year. - BERNAMA-XINHUA
