Sunday 7th January 2007
China’s Changfeng Group Co., made its first appearance at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit. GAC Changfeng Motor Co Ltd was a Chinese automobile manufacturer wholly owned by GAC Group but which originated as a branch of the People’s Liberation Army. Changfeng produced mainly light trucks, and as of 2008 the majority of their sales had been to the Chinese state.
The company has manufactured license built Mitsubishi Pajero copies sold in China under the Mitsubishi brand as well as Pajero variations that bear the brand name Lièbào, which means cheetah. They also offer two variations of Mitsubishi pickups: Fine, and Flying. The Kylin was a compact hatchback offered during a short-lived, three year, joint venture with Bird Technology, a Chinese mobile phone maker. Its name, from a mythical Chinese beast, the qilin. The Kylin was included in Changfeng’s appearance at the Detroit Auto show in 2008.
