Today’s newborn is called
SiTech, and their first car is this pretty white thing called DEV1. SiTech is a
brand under under First Auto Works (FAW). It has a FAW badge on the rear and
the cars will be made at a FAW plant in Changchun.
SciTech says it collaborates with various tech
companies, but that seems more marketing-speak than reality. But they have
established a separate R&D center for the SiTech brand, working only on
SiTech cars. The Chinese name is Xinte (新特).
Back now to the SiTech DEV1. It will have its public
debut next week in the 2018 Beijing Auto Show and it will be launched on the
Chinese car market in Q3. Price will start around 100.000 yuan. SiTech claims a
range of 350 kilometers. Charging takes 40 minutes for 80% battery. No word yet
on power or batteries. Size is 3735/1655/1550 mm, wheelbase 2415 mm.
The interior has a 10 inch touch screen and an
8-inch instrument panel. It is furthermore equipped with a ‘smart car
networking system’ called D-OS. Not DOS as in MS-DOS, but D-OS. The system connects with smartphones and also
includes a face-recognition system to enter and start the car.
Face-recognition systems are
a new trend in China’s EV-startup land. Almost every new EV we have seen in
recent months has one installed.
The SiTech DEV1, a nice looking thing and slightly
smaller than the SUVs of most other new electric-car companies. But with a
100,000 yuan price tag and a 350 kilometer range it could make a splash in the
market.
