A couple of days ago, some Chinese internet users shared pictures via social media of a Wuling Hongguang MINI EV registered in the US, spotted on the streets of Utah. This is a rare sight as it is the world’s best-selling electric car model from the SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture, and now it has appeared in the United States – a market that many Chinese automotive giants aim to conquer.
The selling price of the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV in the US has sparked much debate, as it is 2 to 2.5 times higher than the price in China. However, the figure disclosed by a SAIC-GM-Wuling representative has shocked many, raising concerns about the future of the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV line in the United States.
Chu Lu, Deputy General Manager of the Brand Department at SAIC-GM-Wuling, revealed that the selling price of the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV is approximately over $40,000, which is around 280,000 RMB or 915 million VND.
It is crucial to note that the final price of the exported vehicle includes taxes, shipping fees, local licensing fees, and other related costs. However, this time, Chu Le announced a price for the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV in the US that is 7 times higher than the domestic price.
Several Chinese newspapers have also compared the price of the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV in the US to its closest neighboring market, Vietnam. In Vietnam, there are four models available with prices ranging from 239 million VND to 282 million VND, equivalent to approximately 73,300 to 85,600 CNY. These prices are four times cheaper than the prices in the US.