China's SAIC Says It Will Launch Mild Hybrid Sedan Next Year

China is slated to get a new hybrid passenger car next year with the launch - announced this week - of Shanghai Automotive industry Corp.'s first gas-electric vehicle.

The company, known as SAIC, said it has developed a hybrid powertrain to use in its Roewe 750 sedan (left), a car based on the old Rover 75 (SAIC acquired Rover - but not its name, thus the Roewe nameplate, from BMW a few years ago).  

It is one of a number of Chinese hybrids under development, encouraged by a government that is struggling to reduce oil consumption and improve air quality. One competitor, BYD, has just launched a plug-in hybrid - the first in the world to go to market s a mass-production model.

SAIC's mild hybrid system is expected to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent from the standard gasoline model - a significant improvement for a Chinese automaker on is first go-it-along green car project

SAIC is General Motors Corp.'s joint venture partner in China and the partnership, Shanghai GM, recently launched a hybrid model of the Buick Lacrosse there.

SAIC reportedly has spent more than $300 million on hybrid powertrain development.  

In a turnaround from the normal routine in which China supplies the basic parts for finished goods, from toys to technical equipment, that are sold here by U.S. companies, SAIC is thought to be getting the lithium ion batteries for its first hybrid model from Minneapolis-based Johnson Controls.

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John O'Dell January 23, 2009, 5:00 AM

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Chinese Hybrid Cars, SAIC, Shanghai Automotive