Chinese whispers

ATECO Automotive has confirmed it is in discussions with at least one other Chinese vehicle manufacturer besides Chery, which it has confirmed will be launched in Australia in mid-2009 via three models, following a Fairfax media report this week that said Great Wall Motors (GWM) would also be represented here within 12 months.

“Ateco Automotive has been talking to a number of Chinese car and commercial vehicle manufacturers,” said company spokesperson Edward Rowe.

“(But) until a definitive distribution agreement is signed, such as that already in place with Chery, we are unable to confirm or deny the names or details of the companies with which we are having discussions - other than to say these discussions are ongoing.” GoAuto has learned from dealer sources that Great Wall, which produces a range of small hatchbacks and people-movers but describes itself as “China’s largest maker of SUVs and pick-up trucks”, is likely to first become available in Australia via its commercial utilities.

In the meantime, Ateco preparations for next year’s Chery brand launch continue apace, with ADR homologation of the three models previously reported (A1, A5 and Tiggo) currently the subject of “almost hourly” discussions between Ateco and Chery, and “a continuous stream” of interested dealers from Australia and New Zealand.

Ateco has not confirmed Chery’s presence at the 2009 Melbourne motor show and will not reveal how many dealers it has signed-up to date because “the franchise appointment process is quite lengthy”, but says it remains on target for a mid-2009 launch.

“We are very happy with the quality of dealers we’ve had discussions with, which cover the full range in terms of both size and geographical spread,” said Mr Rowe.

“We are confident all Australian homologation requirements will be achieved in time for our mid-2009 launch.”

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