DongFeng is set to launch its self-developed Fengshen sedan

SHANGHAI, 13 February, 2009 - DongFeng Motor, one of the biggest Chinese vehicle producers will introduce a new mid-sized sedan at the forthcoming Auto Shanghai show in April.

Called FengShen, it was developed by DongFeng's own technology center with input from ItalDesign.

The FengShen (Aeolus) name was previously used on a local version of the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, which has been assembled by DongFeng-Nissan, a local JV.

The new FengShen will be powered by a 78-kw 1.6 liter petrol engine. It rides on a 2,61 meter long platform and will be 4,5 meter long, 1,72 meter wide and 1,48 meter tall.

DongFeng, which operates local joint ventures with Nissan, PSA and Honda spent about RMB 100 million on developing its new passenger car.

This is not the first self-developed model from DongFeng: many years ago it created a quirky little sedan, called the Little Prince on the basis of the Hyundai Accent. In 2007 it was followed by the DongFeng Joyear, a mini-MPV . Last year the company showed a strange concept coupe which is rumoured to go into production later this year.

Source: worldcarinfo.com