Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC) plans to start mass producing its first hybrid by the end of 2010. The car will be based on the existing Roewe 750 model. The car will be a mild hybrid, which uses an electric motor to assist propulsion and cannot power the car alone. Fitted with a lithium ion battery, the hybrid is to ensure 20 percent less fuel consumption.
American supplier Johnson Controls Inc. will supply the lithium ion battery, while British engine technology company Ricardo Plc. is working on the revised powertrain. After hybrid version the electric one will be launched, but the debut date is not unveiled yet. In future the fuel cell version is to be developed.
SAIC unveiled, that development works under ecological source of drive were worth 292 million USD.
Source: Auto News China
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