Revived German marque Borgward has established a China-based sales subsidiary as its Beijing plant readies for production. Sales of its first model, the BX7 SUV, are expected to commence next month.
“We have successfully established partnerships with nearly 100 dealers to date,” CEO Ulrich Walker is reported to have said according to Paul Tan. “Moreover, this dealer network is expected to grow to 120 dealers by the end of 2016, and 200 in 2017, covering key cities of the Chinese market.”
Power has been revealed to be a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine capable of 221 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will be the shifter of choice and all-wheel-drive will be available as well.
The new plant in China’s capital will have an initial capacity of 160,000 units. A second phase of plant expansion will increase that to 360,000. By 2020, Borgward believes it can build 800,000 cars a year, and by 2025 that number will double to 1.6 million. Walker says the company will adhere strictly to “German Industry 4.0″ manufacturing standards to assure the highest quality.
The BX7 will go on sale next month, launching at the Beijing Motor Show.
Live images by Ronan Glon.
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