Now before anyone screams that it's just another Chinese rip-off, remember that Beijing Jeep was a joint venture that was originally set up by Beijing Automobile Works and the then-owner of Jeep, American Motors Corporation (AMC), in the early 1980s.

Frankly, I'm pretty impressed by this B40, at least in terms of styling. I think it's way better looking than the current Wrangler. Not much has been reported as to what's under the skin, but it's probably pretty similar to what Jeep offers.

Full story here.

Checking in on Peter De Lorenzo over at AutoExtremist.com, and as usual, he has some interesting if not thought-provoking ideas. This time it's a "What if" scenario for a future GM, and this of course, is in a perfect world. By that I mean if franchise laws, etc., could be resolved to make this work.

Here's the short story version: The only divisions that would exist here would be Chevrolet, Cadillac and Hummer. Buick would only be sold outside the USA. GMC, Pontiac, Saturn would disappear altogether. Saab? It would be sold off or disappear. As usual, De Lorenzo makes a strong case supporting his ideas.

So, do you agree with him or not?

For the details check it out here.

Forget the silly name 'Wingle,' just look at this thing—a factory-built 6-door pickup. It's powered by a 2.8L diesel, and has a top speed of 120 kph. It will debut at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show.

There have been affermarket 6-door pickups before, but never has one been offered from the factory; at least not one that I'm aware of. I suspect that in China this makes sense, as so many people (workers) are without transportation.

Does anyone think that Ford, GM or Dodge should consider offering 6-door pickups? Or is the market just too small for this type of vehicle? Keep in mind that 4-door pickups have been around for decades, but just recently just caught on with the public. Now I don't ever expect a 6-door pickup to be used as a family vehicle (unless, or course, you're Catholic), but what about for for job sites?

Full story here.

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

A Chinese car that's not a blatant rip-off of some other worldly car? A Chinese car that's actually really good looking?

Yep, that's what we have here with this Geely CE Concept which will debut at the Beijing Auto Show. Ah, my hope for humanity has just been given a much needed boost...

Full story here.

Chinese automakers copy Western models? Says who?

This one I can understand a little more -- doesn't everyone want a scaled-down replica of the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile?

- Brian Moody, Road Test Editor

 

 

For years now, we've been saying the Chinese are coming. In case you haven't noticed, they have yet to arrive. For the second year in a row, Changfeng Motor held a press conference in Detroit to discuss its latest models and announce its intentions to start selling cars in the U.S. And for the second year in a row, it appears as though it's not any closer to selling cars in the U.S. Looks like we'll have to wait another year for the Leopard CS6. We are not disappointed. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line

Two of China's largest automakers, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. and Nanjing Auto (maker of the MG TF pictured above), have merged so that they can better compete on the world stage. In a statement issued jointly, the idea is to create a "world-class auto company of an unprecedented scale in China."  The Chinese government has been encouraging such tie-ups in its fragmented auto industry, hoping Chinese producers will pool resources to compete with bigger, richer foreign rivals.

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: SAIC of China in $1.9 Billion Merger With Nanjing Auto

Not much is known other than this handsome Roewe SUV is based off a Ssangyong model. Roewe, if you recall, is the Chinese company that bought the rights of Rover.

Story and more images here.

Here I was all excited to finally see a Chinese car with exciting looks, and one that wasn't ripped off from some other carmaker. Then I read a little further to find out that Guangzhou is a joint-partner with both Toyota and Honda. Now Toyota styling influence is nothing to write home about, but Honda's is, as they make some of the best looking cars anywhere. You may call them bland. I call them very good looking cars. So I can see Honda's influence here.

Then I also find out that Torino Design, an Italian studio, also played a big role in what you see here.

Whatever. I'm happy to see a Chinese carmaker  go out on a limb, and create a unique vehicle of their own, even if they had to go outside to do so. Hopefully other Chinese automakers will be impressed, and will also follow suit.

Full story here.

Expect to see more Chinese carmakers at the Detroit auto show this year. Geely International Corp., China America Cooperative Automotive Inc. (Chamco),  Changfeng Motor Group, BYD Auto Co. and Li Shi Guang Ming Auto Design Co. all plan to have exhibits; which brings the total to five Chinese car companies. This is more than twice as many as in previous years.

Full story here.

Image: A Chinese Liebao C56 SUV at 2007 Detroit auto show / Bill Pugliano Getty Images