Breaking News : Guangzhou Autos own brand car to use Camry platform

GUANGZHOU : August 28, 2008 - Guangzhou Automotive and Toyota have been in partnership for several years now, producing a range of Toyota cars (Camry, Yaris etc) but now Guangzhou Auto wants to use its automotive muscle, and massive profits to invest in a self branded vehicle.


Guangzhou Automotive's first foray into joint venture partnerships ended in disaster when they signed up with Peugeot to make the 504 in China. By the time it was launched in China, the 505 was old news. The 505 was launched in 1979, but Chinese production began in 1985 and ran until 1997, the 505 was not a massive success. Peugeot and Guangzhou parted company, with Peugeot going to Dongfeng, and Guangzhou landing the big prize, Toyota.

Since their partnership with Toyota, Guangzhou have gone from strength, and now it comes as no surpise that Guangzhou wish to break free and go down the self development road. Guangzhou and Toyota have come to an arrangement where Guangzhou will use the Camry platform for their own midsize sedan. Guangzhou Auto are currently working on building a new factory which will produce their own range of vehicles, and engines, this factory is expected to be fully completed by 2010, and will make around 100,000 cars per year.

[Source : China Car Times]