Manufacturer Emgrand (Geely) Model years 2010-present | Production 2009–present Class Large family car | |
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Also called Geely Emgrand 718
Matchedje X3 (Mozambique) Assembly Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Montevideo, Uruguay (Nordex)
Cherkessk, Karachay-Cherkessia, Russia (Derways Automobile Company), Sri Lanka (Micro Cars) | ||
The Emgrand EC7 is a large family car produced by the Emgrand division of the Chinese automaker Geely.
Contents
Background
The EC7 was the launch vehicle for Emgrand (Chinese: 帝豪品牌; pinyin: dì háo pǐnpái), the medium to high-end luxury brand of Geely that was launched in July 2009.
Development
The car was developed from the outset as an export model. Geely engaged a range of mainly global suppliers, including: Siemens for electronic control system; Lear Corporation for seats; Saint-Gobain for all glass. The production line was equipped with products from Fuji, PDE and Dürr AG.
Overseas sales
In preparation for its introduction into the European market, the EC7 scored 4 stars in the Euro NCAP tests, the first Chinese-designed and produced car to do so. As of October 2015, it is the best selling Chinese brand sedan in China.
UK
The car was scheduled to be launched into the United Kingdom market in late 2012. Geely set-up Geely Auto UK, which is a jointly-held subsidiary of Manganese Bronze Holdings which also owns taxi specialist LTI. Geely Auto UK Ltd will be based in Coventry.
In partnership with Manganese Bronze, Geely started setting up a 40-strong dealer organisation, choosing small family-style garages to sell the cars, described as: "The sort of garages that used to sell Škodas before the company was owned by Volkswagen, and the type of establishment that once might have sold Rovers."
Prices are estimated at roughly £10,000 for the 1.5 model on launch.
Iraq
In Iraq, the Emgrand EC7 alongside the bigger Emgrand EC8 is assembled by the local company owned by the government, called SCAI. It comes in full specification with the 1.8 liter engine and CVT automatic transmission, and with white, black, red or orange colors. It costs 15,900,000 Iraqi dinars, which equals just around US$13,500.
Iran
In Iran, Emgrand EC7 and Emgrand EC7-RV is being sold by Geelran Company, the official selling agent of Geely.
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, Emgrand EC7 is sold under the Micro Emgrand brand which is owned by Geely