Shanghai show: Chery strikes it Riich

CHINA’S Chery may be dragging the chain in providing Australian Design Rule (ADR) documentation for its older A1 and A3 models, but that didn’t stop it launching no fewer than three sub-brands at this week’s Shanghai motor show.

While A1 is still in the race (with the Lifan 520 light-car) to become Australia’s first Chinese-branded passenger car, the Riich M1 steps further upmarket by being a direct rival to the likes of Toyota’s Australian segment-leading Yaris.

In its home market, the Riich M1 will also go up against Honda’s Jazz (Fit) and the Suzuki Swift, which are also produced in China.

The holder of Australia’s Chery distribution rights, Ateco Automotive, says it has no information on any of the new models launched in Shanghai, including those in the Riich, Rely or Karry sub-brands.

But it says the chances of Chery’s A1 going on sale in Australia this year are entirely up to China’s largest exporter of passenger vehicles.

“We’re still hopeful of getting something on sale here this year, but they’ve got to make some progress on getting their ADR documentation completed,” said Ateco managing director Ric Hull.

“A1 is still the first cab off the rank. We’d like to see it followed by A3.” For the record, the 3601mm long, 1587mm wide and 1527mm high Riich M1 is powered by a 63kW 1.3-litre ACTECO engine.

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