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New kid on block for Geneva

<b>NEW KID:</b> The 2013 Geneva auto show will see the launch of Qoros, a new Chinese automaker when the doors open to the public on March 5.
<b>NEW KID:</b> The 2013 Geneva auto show will see the launch of Qoros, a new Chinese automaker when the doors open to the public on March 5.
CHANGSU, China - A brand-new ('scure the pun) automaker will join the ranks for new and concept vehicles on display at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show in March.

The Chinese company will showcase its elegant C-segment offering, the Qoros 3 Sedan, as well as two concepts,to give a taste of their plans.

Image gallery

Yes, it might be another Chinese company, but this could just be the change global customers have been waiting for. The styling is fresh, modern and - dare we say? – not bad to look at if the pictures are anything to go by.

Changshu is a significant addition to China's rapidly expanding automotive industry. Qoros production director Alexander Wortberg (ex-BMW)  said: "The factory has an initial annual production capacity of 150 000 units with potential for expansion to 450 000 units."

The company was established in 2007 as an equal joint venture partnership between Chery Automobile and Israel Corporation, a global industrial holding company. The engineering centre operates from Shanghai with other operations in Munich, Germany and Graz, Austria.

As the company is brand new, its focus lies in quality, value and ensuring modern,  "always-connected" customers in China and Europe will get what they’re looking for.

The Qoros 3 Sedan is entering a pre-production phase after extensive international testing and will launch in China during the second half of 2013, with new models every six months thereafter.

REPUTABLE NAMES

Cars will be built at a new plant in Changshu, China, in partnership with suppliers such as Magna Steyr, TRW, Continental, Bosch, Getrag, Benteler, Lear, Microsoft, Harman, Neusoft-Alpine and Iconmobile.

Qoros cars will feature a unique infotainment system with a 20cm touch-screen designed for minimal driver distraction. It includes satnav, extensive social networking connectivity and the capability for drivers to monitor their car’s health and even book service appointments. It will also include a stop/start function.

The Qoros 3 Sedan has a coupé-like silhouette and a smooth roofline which flows to the rear quarters.  There will be two four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engines available at the launch of the 3 Sedan in China and both have variable valve timing.  The standard engines kick out 93kW/155Nm, the  turbocharged versions makes  115kW/210Nm. Both models come with a six-speed manual or six-speed dual clutch transmission.

CONCEPT TEASERS

Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept and the Qoros 3 Estate Concept will be on show alongside the 3 Sedna. The hybrid has a transverse three-cylinder turbo 1.2 petrol engine with an electric motor above the rear axle and a second electric motor – called an integrated starter generator – between the engine and gearbox. 

The Estate Concept is a vision of the future with its styling stemming from the travel needs of modern families. With the same platform as the 3 Sedan, it features a much longer roofline and larger tail door. 
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