China's top-selling electric car, the SAIC Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, has arrived in the European market, introduced by Latvian automaker Dartz and sold in some European countries, according to Motor Authority.
The new car will probably adopt the revived Russian brand "Freze" and be renamed "Nikrob EV", with an estimated starting price of 9,999 euros, the report said.
Since its launch in July 2020, the Hongguang Mini EV has sold 174,005 units in 2020, according to official data from Wuling, thanks to its affordable price (RMB 28,800 - 38,800 yuan).
The car's good sales results have made it successful in attracting the interest of international carmakers.
Selling at 9,999 euros in Europe would mean that this is about RMB 777,765 yuan, more than twice as much as the price in China.
The report also says that the Nikrob EV's exterior basically follows the Hongguang Mini EV's design, with the Freze brand logo on the front and a more stylish set of multi-spoke wheels.
As for the interior, it is reported that the Nikrob EV will use more eco-friendly materials based on the original design.
To make the Nikrob EV meet the entry standards of the European market, Dartz will localize the Nikrob EV with modifications and upgrades, such as installing daytime running lights, ESP, and airbags, and upgrading the range to 120 miles.
This series of upgrades has spiked the Nikrob EV's starting price to €9,999, but it will still be one of the most affordable pure electric vehicles in Europe.
But when autohome.com.cn asked SAIC-GM-Wuling for confirmation, they responded that "we do not have a plan at the moment, and we do not rule out that it is a car after the user has decorated himself".
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(Source: Motor Authority)
