Tempest commercial van makes its debut in the Brazilian market on Nov 10. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]
The first 500 Wuxi-made commercial vans are heading to Brazil following the launch of the Tempest at the Fenatran, an international bus and truck show, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Nov 10.
Developed through a partnership between SAIC Maxus and Volkswagen Truck and Bus, the Tempest is based on the Maxus V90 and marks the model's official entry into the Brazilian market. All 500 vehicles in the initial batch were manufactured at SAIC Maxus' production facility in Huishan district, Wuxi.
The partnership combines Maxus' vehicle development and manufacturing capabilities with Volkswagen Truck and Bus' established presence, distribution network and after-sales services in South America.
Tempest commercial van rolls off the line at the facility in Huishan district. [Photo/WeChat account: news-wuxixinwen]
Designed specifically for Brazilian road conditions, the Tempest has been adapted to meet local regulations and address the country's diverse climate, road conditions and operating needs.
The launch marks another step in Huishan's efforts to expand its automotive industry overseas. The district is home to 174 automotive and parts manufacturers above designated size, an industry that generated 44.49 billion yuan ($6.76 billion) in industrial output in the first nine months of this year, up 11.3 percent year-on-year.
The Wuxi facility is a key export hub for Maxus. The Brazil-bound shipment also highlights the growing international reach of Wuxi's automotive manufacturing sector.
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