FAW JV to launch hybrids, EVs in 2011

The passenger car manufacturing joint venture (JV) between Chinese automaker First Automotive Works (FAW) and Haima Investment Group, FAW Haima, plans to launch indigenously developed hybrid and electric vehicles in the Chinese market during the first half of 2011. FAW Haima initiated development of alternative-fuel vehicles in 2005, and is currently testing its new electric vehicles at its testing facilities. Haima Auto showed an electric vehicle, the Me EV, at the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show, following the Fstar EV model unveiled at the same motor show last year. The Me EV model has the capacity to go more than 190 kilometers on a single charge, with a top speed of 80 km per hour (kph) and 120 kph across its variants. The vehicle can be charged in about four hours at a standard 220v power-socket. (August 14, 2009)