China's BYD hopes for turnaround with Si Rui sedan
Associated Press
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1:05 a.m., Friday, November 23, 2012
The ailing company, which counts billionaire Warren Buffet as an investor, is banking on the new model to help spur a revival in sales. BYD, which also makes rechargeable batteries and mobile phone handsets, was aggressive with its expansion into electric cars as Beijing announced the goal of making China a global power in electric car manufacturing. BYD did not provide fuel consumption data but boasts that combined with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, Si Rui "makes use of every drop of fuel." Chinese carmakers have had a tough time raising their quality game and a close look at other BYD models on display showed they were, as the Chinese say, just "mama-huhu," or so-so, with plasticky door handles and inconsistent gaps between door and body. Drivers will be able to see in the dark thanks to a night vision system, which will display an enhanced view of the road ahead to the driver through a heads-up display on the dashboard. Clearly, having a hit in China's car market, which saw sales of 18.5 million vehicles last year, would be a huge help to BYD and investor Buffett, who spent $232 million on a 10 percent stake in 2008. Reported by SeattlePI.com 21 minutes ago.
Associated Press
Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
1:05 a.m., Friday, November 23, 2012
The ailing company, which counts billionaire Warren Buffet as an investor, is banking on the new model to help spur a revival in sales. BYD, which also makes rechargeable batteries and mobile phone handsets, was aggressive with its expansion into electric cars as Beijing announced the goal of making China a global power in electric car manufacturing. BYD did not provide fuel consumption data but boasts that combined with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, Si Rui "makes use of every drop of fuel." Chinese carmakers have had a tough time raising their quality game and a close look at other BYD models on display showed they were, as the Chinese say, just "mama-huhu," or so-so, with plasticky door handles and inconsistent gaps between door and body. Drivers will be able to see in the dark thanks to a night vision system, which will display an enhanced view of the road ahead to the driver through a heads-up display on the dashboard. Clearly, having a hit in China's car market, which saw sales of 18.5 million vehicles last year, would be a huge help to BYD and investor Buffett, who spent $232 million on a 10 percent stake in 2008. Reported by SeattlePI.com 21 minutes ago.