New range of FAW vehicles 'well-received in SA

Vehicles from Chinese manufacturer FAW, have got off to a good start in South Africa.

"The first range of FAW passenger cars and light commercials to be launched, the Sirius range, has been well- received by our new dealer network and customers who have bought them," says Pedro Pereira, the GM of FAW South Africa's LCV and passenger car ranges.

"Value-for-money pricing is the big drawcard with the buyers, as well as the versatility of these well-built vehicles, which are priced at R149995 for the panel van and R159995 for the Sirius people-carrier."

The initial shipment of the two Sirius models are powered by 1.3-litre engines. A 1.5-litre engine will be offered as an option shortly.

The next model to arrive here will be the B-segment FAW V2 hatchback with a 1.3-litre petrol engine, followed by the Oley small sedan.

There are already 17 FAW dealers in the existing AMH multifranchise network in South Africa, as well as three independent outlets in Witbank, Nelspruit and Shelly Beach.

Pereira says he would like to expand the network to 22 dealers to cover all major centres. In addition to its own models, FAW is a major contract manufacturer for many of the world's leading motor companies, including, Toyota, Mazda, Volkswagen, Audi and Hyundai.

FAW is building a new manufacturing facility in the Coega Industrial Development Zone near Port Elizabeth. The plant will have an initial annual output of 5000 trucks a year, with cars and light commercials going into production in the future. The building phase is due for completion in December this year.