The very popular Suzuki Jimny’s current version has a 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated petrol engine that has a 75 kW,. About 3 million Suzuki Jimnys have been sold in over 190 countries since 1970. With its two electric motors giving 110 hp which is similar to the Jimny, the KiWi electric mini SUV is well poised to excite this vehicle segment.
The Jimny is small, simple, affordable, and has good off-road capabilities which make it a favorite for many car enthusiasts. The Jimny starts at about $20,000 in South Africa and other similar markets for example, and if the electric KiWi mini SUV is priced in that range, it will definitely sell like hot cakes once it is introduced on the global market.
Another potential market beside everyday use in the city could be for use by campus-based businesses such as farms, mines, educational and healthcare facilities, nature conservancies, and game parks. What are the chances we will see other players follow with their own versions of this mini electric off road vehicle? Probably very high. Looking forward to seeing how this mini EV sector evolves. This is a segment that could really be transformational for many developing nations.
The Hongguang isn't disrupting the auto market. It's disrupting public transport and two-wheelers.
What exactly GM’s contribution in this other than “joint venture” name that was really not “joint” at all. GM didn’t provide anything but have some percentage of non-voting share left when they sold old GM-Korea & GM China to them, i.e. no dev/manufacturering involvement