Zotye launches low-cost car in China

Zotye Auto launched a basic model—called Jiangnan Alto—with a retail price of 18,800 yuan ($2,838). The Jiangnan Alto features a 0.8L engine.

The company plans to focus sales of the Jiangnan Alto in China’s inland regions, including Hunan, Hebei, Shanxi, Sichuan, Shandong, Jilin, Shanxi, Henan provinces, and in rural areas. It is the first domestically made car sold below 20,000 yuan in China, costing only 2,000 yuan more than the world’s cheapest car, Tata Motor’s Nano, referred to as “The People’s Car.” An average mid-range family car costs around 150,000 yuan in Beijing Friday.

...Though the present basic model does not yet meet Beijing’s vehicle discharge standards, Zotye Auto is in the process of upgrading the vehicle to meet the capital's emission regulations. The whole series of Alto vehicles will be made available in the Beijing market at the same price as elsewhere.

The Alto series was previously produced by joint-venture enterprise Changan Suzuki; Zotye bought the IP and manufactures the series in Changsha, Hunan Province.