Nissan's Sylphy launches in China

The start of production Monday by Nissan's joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group, Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle, came as the two partners had reached another milestone, having built 10 million cars in China since they joined forces.

Automotive magazine Autocar Professional said that as Nissan's first all-electric vehicle built in China, the Sylphy Zero Emission "promised to usher in a new era of electrification in the world's largest automotive market."

The low-cost model is a combination of the world's best-selling electric car, the Nissan Leaf, and the best-selling Nissan sedan in China called Sylghy.

Autocar Processional quoted Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa as saying that "China is expected to lead the world in the adoption and spread of EVs in the coming years."

"We're confident that the Sylphy Zero Emission rolling off the production line today will become a main player in the EV market here," he added.

Others to follow suit

News agency AP reported the Sylphy would cost 166,000 yuan ($25,850, €22,266) after government subsidies, or just half the sticker price of the Nissan Leaf.

Brands including Nissan itself and Tesla, GM and Audi have been selling imported electric cars in China, but their high price has limited their appeal.

Nissan's rival automakers such as General Motors and Volkswagen are planning to release electric models designed solely for China starting this year.

hg/jd (AFP, AP)