An Electric Convertible from GM... for China

The Shanghai Auto Show is fast approaching and many interesting models will be presented, as usual. This year, one of those will be the Hongguang MINIEV Cabrio concept from Wuling. This company works in partnership with General Motors (GM) in China, so the vehicle presented has some of the American automaker’s DNA in it.

The model is based on the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, one of the best-selling electric vehicles in China. This super-affordable urban compact car went on sale last summer, and now a convertible version is about to make its debut.

The fixed-roof MINIEV costs the equivalent of about $4,300 USD on the Chinese market. Within 20 days of its debut on July 24, 2020, the Chinese division of Automotive News reported that Wuling had sold 15,000 units and taken orders for over 50,000 more. It is the most popular electric vehicle the group has ever produced.

The MINIEV Cabrio concept makes several visual changes to the four-seat car on which it is based. The headlights and lights have been replaced with video game-style (LED) units, some of the negative spaces in the bumpers and doors have been filled in with more-massive, contrasting-colour trim, and the model rides on sleeker wheels featuring a six-spoke design.

Inside, the instrument display has been doubled in width, moving from behind the steering wheel to where the multimedia system screen would normally be. A multi-function steering wheel replaces the simple two-spoke unit of the regular model. Due to the retractable roof, the folding rear seat no longer exists, turning the Hongguang into a two-seater.

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