On October 22, the Great Wall Motor Company held a press conference named “Soaring Dragon at Dakar in 2010” in Beijing, announcing that the Great Wall Motor Company would organize a team to participate in the 32nd Dakar Rally scheduled to be held in South America in January 2010. This will be the first time for a homegrown car brand of China to take part in a world-class off-road racing contest, putting an end to the absence of Chinese cars from the Dakar Rally for 32 years. During the rally next year, Chinese player Zhou Yong will drive his “Great Wall” to face the ultimate challenge.

In the past, all major off-road motor racing contests, domestic and international alike, were dominated, primarily by overseas car brands. This time’s debut of a Chinese car at the Dakar Rally marks a major breakthrough in China’s automobile industry, and is therefore celebrated as a milestone in China’s auto sports history. According to relevant officials of the Great Wall Motor Company, the "Great Wall" diesel "Hover" which is about to appear in Dakar Rally next year is one of the flagships in its SUV series, and has proved a huge success in numerous domestic racing contests. "The quality of Great Wall cars meets with all the requirements for performing on world top class sports arena. By sending "Great Wall" to Dakar Rally, our aim is to test our products under the extremely tough road conditions in international off-road contests."

"This time the Great Wall Motor Company plans to invest a total of 5 million yuan in car refitting for the rally next year. Our debut in the Dakar Rally will naturally face a number of difficulties and obstacles, which poses a challenge to vehicle performance, rally preparation and other aspects. However, to our gratification, "Great Wall" has made its first move in this direction as a representative of Chinese auto brands. By taking part in global motor racing events, it has moved one step closer to join the ranks of international auto manufacturers." said an official of the Great Wall Motor Company at the press conference.

Zhou Yong, hailed as the "Prince of Desert" in China’s motor racing circle, maintained the best record by a Chinese player in the Dakar Rally—No. 19 in car category. At the press conference, he said: "It is almost unthinkable to take part in such a contest without the support of a car with outstanding quality. I have total confidence in Great Wall "Hover"’.

Źródło: Great Wall Motor

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