Chine
VGV
VGV is a Chinese passenger-vehicle brand launched on November 27, 2019 by Weichai (Chongqing) Automotive, a subsidiary wholly owned since 2012 by Weichai Power, one of China's largest manufacturers of engines and automotive equipment. The brand was created in Chongqing, in western China, to replace the underperforming Enranger (Yingzhi) brand, which had sold fewer than 100,000 vehicles between 2015 and 2019. The VGV acronym originally stood for "Weichai Group Vehicle." From the outset, the brand was conceived around affordable, stylishly designed SUVs and utility vehicles intended first and foremost for the Chinese market. The first model, the VGV U70, a mid-size 5- to 7-seat crossover, was unveiled at the brand's launch. Following an industrial reorganization, the brand was brought under China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC), better known as Sinotruk, one of China's largest truck manufacturers and a major vehicle exporter. Under the Sinotruk banner, the VGV acronym was repositioned as "Visionable Global Vanguard" to support an export strategy. The lineup was expanded with the U75 Plus and the VX7 pickup, and the brand began rolling out internationally: opening a showroom in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), distributing across several countries in the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and the CIS, and appearing in certain markets under rebadged names (for example, the GTV Krusar in Cambodia). VGV draws on the industrial strength of Sinotruk and on Weichai's powertrain expertise. In North America, the brand has no established commercial presence: it is not distributed in Canada or the United States, and VGV vehicles remain rare or absent from the Quebec vehicle fleet. It is therefore an emerging, globally oriented automaker whose footprint remains centered on China and developing markets.
ActiveÉlectrique / hybrideCamion / utilitaireChinoises
History
History of VGV
VGV is a Chinese passenger-vehicle brand launched on November 27, 2019 by Weichai (Chongqing) Automotive, a subsidiary wholly owned since 2012 by Weichai Power, one of China's largest manufacturers of engines and automotive equipment. The brand was created in Chongqing, in western China, to replace the underperforming Enranger (Yingzhi) brand, which had sold fewer than 100,000 vehicles between 2015 and 2019. The VGV acronym originally stood for "Weichai Group Vehicle." From the outset, the brand was conceived around affordable, stylishly designed SUVs and utility vehicles intended first and foremost for the Chinese market. The first model, the VGV U70, a mid-size 5- to 7-seat crossover, was unveiled at the brand's launch. Following an industrial reorganization, the brand was brought under China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (CNHTC), better known as Sinotruk, one of China's largest truck manufacturers and a major vehicle exporter. Under the Sinotruk banner, the VGV acronym was repositioned as "Visionable Global Vanguard" to support an export strategy. The lineup was expanded with the U75 Plus and the VX7 pickup, and the brand began rolling out internationally: opening a showroom in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), distributing across several countries in the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and the CIS, and appearing in certain markets under rebadged names (for example, the GTV Krusar in Cambodia). VGV draws on the industrial strength of Sinotruk and on Weichai's powertrain expertise. In North America, the brand has no established commercial presence: it is not distributed in Canada or the United States, and VGV vehicles remain rare or absent from the Quebec vehicle fleet. It is therefore an emerging, globally oriented automaker whose footprint remains centered on China and developing markets.
Public founding or origin of VGV.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
VGV relies on proven internal-combustion powertrains built on Weichai's engine expertise. The U70 is fitted with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing roughly 156 hp, while the U75 Plus and the VX7 pickup use a 2.0-liter turbo developing about 224 hp and 385 N·m. Transmissions range from a six-speed manual or automatic to an eight-speed automatic, with a front-wheel-drive architecture on these models. The SUVs are built on platforms shared across the lineup; the VX7, for instance, is derived from the U75 Plus. Under Sinotruk, the brand announces a broader range of energy types for export (gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric and alternative fuels) depending on the market. Safety and driver-assistance equipment varies by trim and by country.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
An emerging Chinese brand of affordable SUVs, pickups and utility vehicles, backed by Weichai and Sinotruk, with a global export vocation.
Reputation
As a recent brand, VGV does not yet have a long, documented reliability track record or extensive resale-value data, especially outside China. Its reputation rests mainly on the affordable positioning of its SUVs and on the solid industrial backing of Weichai and Sinotruk in powertrains. The available reviews and feedback are few and concentrated in China and a handful of emerging markets. In North America, the lack of a dealer network and brand awareness makes perception virtually nonexistent. As with several emerging Chinese brands, buyers should weigh parts availability, after-sales service and uncertain residual value before any purchase outside the markets where the brand is officially established.
Strengths
VGV combines accessible pricing with spacious SUVs offering up to seven seats, all supported by Weichai's industrial strength in engines and Sinotruk's export reach. Turbocharged powertrains and modern automatic transmissions provide decent driving refinement, and the lineup spans SUVs, pickups, vans and MPVs for a variety of uses.
Points to watch
A young brand with no track record on long-term reliability or resale value, especially outside China. Front-wheel drive only on the known models, modest payload capacity on the VX7 pickup, and a very limited service network internationally. In North America, the absence of distribution, parts and brand awareness complicates maintenance and resale for a Quebec buyer.
Models
VGV models
Current or active models by market
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
VGV's production is handled by Weichai (Chongqing) Automotive, whose headquarters and facilities are located in Chongqing, in western China; the entity was formerly known as Chongqing Jialing Chuanjiang Automobile Manufacturing. Its industrial capacity is part of the ecosystem of Weichai Power and then Sinotruk, which oversees the brand. Manufacturing of VGV models remains centered in China. To the knowledge of public sources, there is no VGV plant in North America: no local production in Canada, the United States or Mexico is associated with the brand. International expansion takes place through exports from China and, in some countries, through local assembly or distribution arrangements, with no documented North American assembly.
Tires and wheels
VGV SUVs and pickups (U70, U75 Plus, VX7) are mid-size, large-format vehicles that generally use 17- to 19-inch wheels, a common size in this segment. The typical bolt pattern for crossovers of this size is often around 5 lugs, but the exact specification should always be verified on the vehicle before purchase. In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15: for a family SUV of this weight, a properly sized set of winter tires is essential for traction and braking. If parts are hard to find, opting for equivalent standard sizes makes sourcing easier.