IF
Chinese automakers want to drive forward with their own self-designed models,
they need to go beyond just creating auto vehicle using a platform developed by
foreign automakers, and instead build a completely new auto vehicle using domestically
engineered core parts. Auto
analysts said, however, it is still a long road ahead for domestic auto producers
to roll out models that are purely developed by themselves despite the hype the
concept is sweeping the nation. More
and more auto models are being labeled as self-designed but they share a lot in
common with various home-produced models introduced by foreign carmakers . Domestic
state-owned carmakers including FAW, SAIC, Dongfeng Automotive Group, Chang'an
Auto and Jianghuai Auto, all plan to launch models under their name plates to
echo the government's call to develop self-designed models in the 11th Five-Year
Plan starting this year. Between
1985 and 2005, the Chinese domestic automakers made 15,686 patent applications,
but they represented only one-fortieth of that in the information technology industry.
But Chinese
automakers are catching up quickly. In 2004, Chang'an Group registered 106 patents,
surpassing the combined number over the past 10 years. Last year, 160 patents
were registered. SAIC has invested 1.8 billion yuan (US$225 million) to expand
its auto R&D institute to produce hybrid vehicles and fuel cell models.
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