Changan's Ambitions Grow in China: 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

SHANGHAI, China — A luxury plug-in hybrid sedan concept, a small battery-electric sedan and a huge hybrid MPV concept signal some ambitious intentions from Changan, which also builds the Mondeo and Focus in a joint venture with Ford. All three concepts were shown this week at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.

Closest to production from Chongqing-based Changan is the battery-electric Focus-size sedan called Clover (apparently a word-play on "clever") whose semi-enclosed rear wheel housings are similarly sculpted to a Lamborghini Countach's — and appeared to rub on the wheels of this approximately constructed prototype. In other respects, the Clover is a mostly generic Chinese sedan, has a range of 90 miles and will see production in a year or so.

More impressive, for its size, style and standards of finish, was the Sense, a long, voluptuous-looking sedan that appears to have been inspired by some of Hyundai's recent concepts. It's a toe-dipping exercise into the luxury market, says Changan, with this rear-drive machine featuring a plug-in hybrid driveline. Don't expect to see a Changan of this scale and flavor any time soon, though.

The Voss, a big, luxuriously appointed MPV that owes something to VW's Microbus concepts, is going to sire a production model. The real thing won't get gullwing doors, but it may eventually use a plug-in hybrid driveline like the concept. "Voss" is a play on boss, by the way.

Inside Line says: Despite the impressive Sense, it would be easy to ignore these not entirely convincing concepts and prototypes — but this is China, so it probably won't be so long before Changan, one of the country's largest automakers, produces some cars that approach world standards. — Richard Bremner, Correspondent