Will Qoros be the first Chinese automaker in the USA?

By

 Nathan Adlen

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Qoros is a brand new automaker based in China with the immediate goal of international sales. Qoros is a joint venture via Israeli Corp (an Israeli investment firm) and Chery Automobile Co based in China. The vehicle pictured is their C-segment GQ3. 

Qoros is using all new platforms and high quality components, including parts from the United States (Visteon), to build their new cars.  

This is the new Qoros GQ3.

Details are thin, but I know this sedan is about the size of a Chevrolet Cruze and it will probably have Chery’s four-cylinder engines available. It is said that Qoros enlisted experts from Volkswagen and MINI to assist with their engine development. Chery builds a host of four-cylinder engines too.

Electric cars are said to be in the mix in the near future.

One negative thing Chinese cars have acquired is a reputation for poor safety scores.  “The Qoros GQ3 is engineered to achieve maximum European and Chinese crash test ratings thanks to advanced safety technology.  The car’s structural architecture incorporates the latest developments in the field of crash safety.  The precise arrangement of supporting structures, as well as large-scale deformation zones, prevent intrusions into the passenger cell during collisions.

In addition, occupants are protected by a comprehensive package of state-of-the-art safety measures, including front, side and curtain airbags, as well as highly-effective seatbelt restraint systems.” – – Qoros Media

Production is set to begin in 2013 after its debut at the Geneva Auto Show and Shanghai Motor Show. The Changshu manufacturing plant is all new and nearly ready to begin production.

Granted, the Qoros Q3 looks like a fairly simple design, but it’s solid and fairly attractive. It reminds me of some of the early Infiniti and Acura designs – and that’s a good thing. I especially like the interior design, as it’s modern and looks inviting.

North America is a tough nut to crack. I’ve seen top-notch Japanese automakers try and fail on American soil. Remember Daihatsu and Suzuki? I think that, If Qoros is serious about coming to the United States, they need to build vehicles that rival the build, safety and engineering quality of KIA/Hyundai.

It may take a while, but from what I’ve already seen, Qoros is very serious about building high quality vehicles. The litmus test for many automakers is Europe. If they can achieve good quality and NCAP scores along with decent sales, there is a good chance that sales in the United States could be a real possibility.

We’ll know soon as Qoros is going on sale in Europe next year.

Stay tuned!