German Opels to enter China through the back door

Chinese car buyers should get in line at the back door if they want a chance to buy an Opel Vectra. Taking advantage of its presence in Hungary, a country enjoying favorable diplomatic relations with China, Adam Opel AG will ship some 4,000 Vectras into China. The cars will be assembled at the Szentgotthard, Hungary, plant from German-supplied knockdown kits. The first 400 should hit Chinese shores in December. The Vectras will feature either 1. 6L or 2L engines. Prices haven't been set, but the vehicles will be subject to tariffs of 80% of the selling price, plus 5% excise tax and 17% value-added-tax. This is the second time Hungary has exported vehicles to China. About 3,600 Hungarian-made Opel Astras were sold in China during 1995-1996. Opel will invest DM1.1 million ($608,000) to build the cars. - Compiled by Ward's Automotive International staff