In 2013, automobile production in Belarus reached a new level. CJSC Belzi CJSC has produced the first batch of “popular” passenger cars. Belarusian cars of the Geely brand are a joint development of the Belarusian and Chinese enterprises. The new project has a lobby at the state level. This year, the company plans to produce 18,000 cars, 11,000 of which should be sold in Russia.
Attempts to release a passenger car
In 1997, assembly began in Obchak near Minsk, followed by the release of Ford Escort and Ford Transit cars (minibuses). This was the first attempt by Ford Motors and Lada OMS enterprises to create a new passenger car model. However, long-term plans were not destined to materialize. State authorities deprived Ford Motors of some benefits, and the company stopped the joint venture. The second attempt to assemble Belarusian cars was made in 2004. In the same village, Obchak decided to release a truck brand Lublin-3. For this purpose, the joint Belarusian-Polish enterprise Unison (CJSC) was registered. The car was released, but did not live up to the expectations of manufacturers. The cost of the Lublin-3 truck was 3 times higher than that of the Russian Gazelles. In the same year, an attempt was made to create a Belarusian-Iranian car Samand. It was a modernized Peugeot sedan (France). However, the new car did not gain confidence. The company now produces Samand cars, but they are not in demand.
Later, several more failed attempts were made to create Belarusian cars, and only in 2013 the idea was crowned with success. CJSC Belgi began assembling the Geely SC-7 machine at the site of the Borisov Avtohydrousilitel Plant (OJSC). The joint stock of the Belarusian-Chinese enterprise included BelAZ OJSC, SoyuzAvtoTehnologii CJSC, and Geely Corporation.
The new Belarusian car stands as a supported "European"
Today CJSC “Belgi” produces 3 models of the new car brand:
- Geely SC 7;
- Geely LC Cross;
- Geely EX.
The average price of cars is $ 15,000. The same amount of used European running cars. The only difference is that the Belarusian Geely cars are covered by a three-year official guarantee. The President of Belarus emphasizes that the government will support the sale of car brands. The state promises to create conditions so that the population can buy a new car. Alexander Lukashenko also emphasizes that Geely machines should also be sold in Russia.
Test drive of the Belarusian "Chinese": advantages
Each car has its pros and cons. Correspondents of the Belarusian portal abw.by conducted a Geely test drive and found out all its features.
Advantages of the new SC 7 car brand:
- high ground clearance;
- energy-intensive suspension;
- balanced management;
- excellent brakes;
- powerful, flexible, economical engine;
- large roomy trunk;
- the rear seatbacks fold down;
- ignition key, as in a premium car segment.
Experts say that one should not hastily criticize the Belarusian Geely car: the car is not as bad as most motorists think when they hear the word “Chinese”.
... and flaws
Now about the cons.
- Inconvenient landing, seat; steering wheel is low. This flaw is well felt by tall, solid drivers.
- The dull sound of the audio system.
- The USB connector is deep mounted, so it is better to use a special adapter cable.
- The trunk opens only from the passenger compartment.
- The armrests are covered in fine material. At taxi drivers they can be wiped for a year.
- Not very powerful rear window heating.
Test drivers note that Belarusian Geely cars drive like the Mercedes-Benz W124. Their “bottom” is good, and the gears are shifted gently. If manufacturers modify the seat height adjustment design, then the car can be deservedly awarded the title of “good car”.
President of Belarus personally tested Geely
On May 4, 2014, at the test site in Borisov, Alexander Lukashenko tested “new strength” a new Belarusian car. First, the head of state got behind the wheel of a Geely SC 7, after that - a Geely LC Cross, and finally, he rode a Geely EX crossover. According to the president, he was pleased with the design and technical specifications of the car. A. Lukashenko also noted that SC 7 is a great option for novice drivers. The head of state admitted that the government’s plans include the development of an incentive system that will increase the purchasing power of Belarusian-made cars. “So far, such a program will act in relation to the Belarusian buyer, but later it is planned to think about“ neighbors ”,” A. Lukashenko emphasized.
Plans and prospects of Belarusian automobile production
Automotive industry in Belarus is constantly evolving. In the near future, the president plans to build a powerful plant near Borisov. Lukashenko plans to sell about 50,000 domestic cars a year, some of which should go to the Russian market. Geely Auto also officially goes to the Brazilian car market. In addition, new Belarusian cars will soon be launched. The production of Opel and Chevrolet was launched in mid-2013. This year, cars should go off the assembly line. This condition is provided for in a framework agreement signed by the president with the director of General Motors. The new project is controlled by Deputy Prime Minister of the Belarusian State Petr Prokopovich. In the future, the company plans to assemble another brand - Cadillac . According to experts, the qualification level of Belarusian personnel will make it possible to implement this long-term plan.