In the beginning of May, Great Wall Motor sent to Russia 286 units of Peri, (a carbon copy of Fiat Panda). Our neighbor is a crucial overseas market, to where Chinese cars are exported. The whole predicted Great Wall’s cars’ export is 80,000 units, of which 20,000 will be destined to Russia. The basic prize of Peri with 1.3L engine was set as 12,600 USD.

No doubt, the car based on Italian Panda’s solutions, the proof of which are nearly identical external dimensions – 3,548x1,580x1,544 mm, boot – 206L (max 860L), the same wheelbase – 2,299 and identical internal design. At the begging there is only one petrol engine (code GW413EF) with 1.3L of capacity and following parameters: 88hp (6000 rev/min), maximum torque – 115 Nm (4,200 – 5,200 rev/min). Peri’s top speed is 160 km/h.

According to plan, Peri is going to be sold in Europe in the second half of 2008. First units will appear in dealers’ saloon in Romania and Italy. Currently the car is passing certification’s procedures to get official certification of British "Vehicle Certification Agency" and enter the market. Elements such as safety belts, tyres, windows, mirrors, horn or lights has already got certifications obtaining in European Union’s countries.

Except Russia, 270 units of Peri were sent to Algeria and other North Africa’s countries. Grat Wall concern is based in Baoding. In 2007, it sold 64,732 vehicles on the domestic market and 51,394 vehicles overseas.

Source: Auto News China