According to the Germany-based car market research and consulting firm, Polk Marketing Systems, China is estimated to produce about 5.9 million light vehicles this year, outpacing Germany's 5.38 million.
While occupying a third position, China would still be far behind the US that is expected to make 11 million vehicles and Japan's 10.63 million vehicles this year.
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Alado Bumi Sdn Bhd, the local importer of fully imported Chery cars, has just launched the automated mechanical transmission (AMT) variant of China's best selling compact car - the Chery QQ.
Although the 812cc QQ model debut with manual transmission in July, Alado Bumi was quick to introduce a five-speed sequential AMT variant in line with the general consumer preference for cars with automatic gearboxes.
The AMT gearbox offers the easy driving of a conventional transmission with the fuel economy of a manual type.
The smiley face QQ AMT made its appearance at the International Gateway Corp Sdn Bhd' new showroom in Jalan 225, Petaling Jaya, last Wednesday.
The QQ, powered by a twin camshaft three-cylinder engine, claims to be the first model below the 1.0-litre engine segment to be equipped with the AMT gearbox - similar to those found in the Proton Savvy and Renault Clio.
Its AMT and fuel injection systems are sourced from Magneti Marelli, while Bosch provides the ignition system.
The five-door car also claims high tech features such as drive-by-wire throttle control technology.
Launched in China in 2003, more than 320,000 units of the QQ have been sold worldwide.
The compact car comes with a on-the-road price of RM42,888. Also thrown in are a two-year/50,000km warranty and a two-year/40,000km free service package.
