With 4,000 euros, this car sold one million units

While Americans swear by massive pickup trucks and Europeans worship SUVs, Chinese consumers have made a tiny electric car a star.

Much more than just a car, the Wuling Hongguang Mini is a fashion phenomenon. Small, affordable, it has become the companion of 1.2 million households. At a time when our cars regularly exceed 3 tons on the scale, this school of inventive frugality should inspire more than one manufacturer.

The Hongguang Mini is essentially a rustic city car sold starting at 28,800 yuan, the equivalent of just 4,000 euros, offering 4 seats in the footprint of a Smart Fortwo. It measures 2.92 meters long, 1.49 meters wide, and 1.62 meters high, with 12-inch wheels (145/70R12 tires).

Its small 13 kW / 18 hp (20 kW / 27 hp peak) engine and 85 Nm torque propel it to a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Two lithium-ion battery capacities are available for this car: 9.3 or 13.9 kWh, providing 120 or 170 km of range and 6.5 or 9 hours of charging on a standard 220 V outlet.

The Wuling Mini EV sticks to the essentials to meet the needs of the majority of city dwellers at the lowest possible price. It is offered in China starting at 28,800 yuan, the equivalent of just 4,000 euros! This approach resonates in France and Europe, as evidenced by the growing success of Dacia.

Child of a Sino-American joint venture SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), it might consider entering Europe. It made its first appearance in Latvia in March 2021. After some improvements regarding lighting and safety, it was marketed at 10,000 euros, 7,500 euros less than a Dacia Spring but still too expensive for its features. Unfortunately, a launch in France is still not on the agenda.

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