Zotye International
Encyclopedia
Zotye Auto is an automobile manufacturer from China. It is owned by the Zotye Holding Group.
Since 2005, Zotye International has expanded its automobile lineup and production numbers. The first model of the brand was a small SUV, the Zotye RX6400
later renamed to Zotye Nomad. The Zotye Nomad bears a remarkable resemblance to the Daihatsu Terios
(see also Automotive industry in China).
The official turnover of the Zotye International in 2006 was 2.88 billion RMB (about € 290 million).
In 2008, Zotye began exporting the Zotye Nomad. In 2009, Zotye released its second car model for the Chinese market, Zotye Mutiplan or the M-series, which is a licenced copy of Fiat Multipla
. In 2009, Zotye Auto purchased Jiangnan Auto. Jiangnan Automobile's only car model was a facelifted Suzuki Alto which is being sold as JN Auto by Zotye. JN Auto is a crossover based on both Zotye and Jiangnan Automobile designs which Zotye is planning to export.
In late 2010, Zotye released a $2,830 Jiangnan Alto, the cheapest car in China and possibly in the world.
In 2010, Zotye released the Zotye 5008 which is a facelifted Zoyte 2008 for the Chinese domestic market. It will rebadge this car for export as the Zotye Nomad II. Together with AG and LUIS LUIS Motors GmbH, Zotye has developed an electric version of the Zotye Nomad for the European market. Zoyte also supplies CKD kits of Nomad to Premier Limited
in India to sell a version of this car as Premier Rio powered by a Peugeot TUD5 diesel engine. Nomads are also sold in South Africa and the electric version is planned for the US market as well as of mid-2010.
Zotye has an ambitious plan for developing electric cars. It started leasing 5008EVs in Hangzhou in 2010.
History
Zotye International was founded on 13 January 2005 by Zotye Holding Group. Previously, Zotye had contracts to only export automotive parts but increased its production to complete cars to take advantage of the expanding Chinese automotive market. In 2005, because of their reputation as a reliable partner, Zotye established contracts for sales subsidiaries in 10 different countries.Since 2005, Zotye International has expanded its automobile lineup and production numbers. The first model of the brand was a small SUV, the Zotye RX6400
Zotye 2008
The Zotye 2008 is a small 5 door SUV produced by an offshoot of the Zhejiang Tech-New Group called Zotye Auto in Zhejiang, China.The car is named in honour of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and also goes by the model project number XS6402...
later renamed to Zotye Nomad. The Zotye Nomad bears a remarkable resemblance to the Daihatsu Terios
Daihatsu Terios
The Daihatsu Terios is a mini SUV, first released in 1997 by the Japanese car manufacturer Daihatsu. The engines are a modified Daihatsu Charade 1.3 litre or kei car 660 cc unit, with constant four wheel drive or two wheel drive , respectively. It has 5-speed manual transmission or...
(see also Automotive industry in China).
The official turnover of the Zotye International in 2006 was 2.88 billion RMB (about € 290 million).
In 2008, Zotye began exporting the Zotye Nomad. In 2009, Zotye released its second car model for the Chinese market, Zotye Mutiplan or the M-series, which is a licenced copy of Fiat Multipla
Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla is a compact MPV manufactured by Italian automaker Fiat since 1998. Based on the Brava, the Multipla is shorter and wider than its rivals. It has two rows of three seats, while all its competitors have two seats in the front...
. In 2009, Zotye Auto purchased Jiangnan Auto. Jiangnan Automobile's only car model was a facelifted Suzuki Alto which is being sold as JN Auto by Zotye. JN Auto is a crossover based on both Zotye and Jiangnan Automobile designs which Zotye is planning to export.
In late 2010, Zotye released a $2,830 Jiangnan Alto, the cheapest car in China and possibly in the world.
In 2010, Zotye released the Zotye 5008 which is a facelifted Zoyte 2008 for the Chinese domestic market. It will rebadge this car for export as the Zotye Nomad II. Together with AG and LUIS LUIS Motors GmbH, Zotye has developed an electric version of the Zotye Nomad for the European market. Zoyte also supplies CKD kits of Nomad to Premier Limited
Premier Automobiles Limited
Premier Ltd. is a manufacturer of vehicles based in Mumbai, India.Founded in 1944, the car first launched production by building vehicles under license from Dodge and Plymouth. In 1951, they began producing versions of the Fiat 500 for the Indian market. This was followed by the Fiat 1100 in 1954...
in India to sell a version of this car as Premier Rio powered by a Peugeot TUD5 diesel engine. Nomads are also sold in South Africa and the electric version is planned for the US market as well as of mid-2010.
Zotye has an ambitious plan for developing electric cars. It started leasing 5008EVs in Hangzhou in 2010.
Future Models
Zotye has bought production tooling and manufacturing rights for a number of phased out cars from big automobile manufacturers to produce cars for the Chinese market. Some of the current models that are in the process of being re-introduced as Zotye cars are:- D Series (A Fiat DobloFiat DoblòThe Fiat Doblò is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle produced by Italian automaker Fiat since 2000, it was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2000.-First generation :...
) - L Series (A Lancia LybraLancia LybraThe Lancia Lybra is a compact executive car produced by Italian Fiat Auto's upscale marque Lancia between 1999 and 2006. Based on heavily modified Alfa Romeo 156 floorpan, it replaced the Dedra within Lancia's lineup, and was similarly low-profile to its predecessor, rather than as popular as its...
in modernised notchback sedan or station wagon designs) - S Series (A Fiat StradaFiat StradaThe Fiat Strada is a supermini coupé utility version of Fiat's "world car" project, the Palio. It is produced in Brazil and exported from Betim, Minas Gerais to the European Union.-History:...
) - Z Series (A Hyundai Vera CruzHyundai VeracruzThe Hyundai Veracruz is a crossover SUV produced by Hyundai from 2006. The Veracruz is sold in the United States, Canada, South Korea, China, Dominican Republic, Brazil, and the Middle East.- History :...
)