Belarusian cars. New Belarusian car Geely

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

In 2013, automotive production in Belarus reached a new level. CJSC SZAO "Belji" produced the first batch of "people's" cars. Belarusian cars of the Geely brand are a joint development of Belarusian and Chinese enterprises. The new project has a lobby at the state level. This year, the company plans to produce 18,000 vehicles, 11,000 of which are to be sold in Russia.

Attempts to produce a people's car

In 1997, in the village of Obchak near Minsk, assembly began with the subsequent production of Ford Escort and Ford Transit cars (minibuses). This was the first attempt by Ford Motors and Lada OMS to create a new passenger car model. However, long-term plans were not destined to come true. State authorities have deprived Ford Motors of some benefits, and the company stopped the work of the joint venture. The second attempt to assemble Belarusian cars was made in 2004. In the same village of Obchak, they decided to produce a Lublin-3 truck. For this purpose, a joint Belarusian-Polish enterprise "Unison" (CJSC) was registered. The car was released, but did not live up to the expectations of the manufacturers. Pricethe Lublin-3 truck turned out to be 3 times higher than that of the Russian Gazelles. In the same year, an attempt was made to create a Belarusian-Iranian Samand car. It was a modernized Peugeot sedan (France). However, the new car brand did not gain confidence. The company still produces Samand cars, but they are not in demand.

Later, several more failed attempts were made to create Belarusian passenger cars, and only in 2013 the idea was crowned with success. SZAO "Belgy" began assembling the Geely SC-7 machine at the site of the Borisov plant "Avtogidroampilitel" (OJSC). The shareholding structure of the Belarusian-Chinese enterprise included OJSC BelAZ, SZAO SoyuzAvtoTekhnologii, Geely Corporation.

A new Belarusian car costs like a used "European"

Today CJSC "Belji" 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 is true for used European running cars. The only difference is that Belarusian Geely cars are covered by a three-year official warranty. The President of the Republic of Belarus emphasizes that the government will support the sale of the car brand. The state promises to create conditions for the population to be able to purchase a new car. Alexander Lukashenko also emphasizes that Geely cars should be sold in Russia as well.

Belarusian test drive"Chinese": virtues

Each car has its pros and cons. Correspondents of the Belarusian portal abw.by tested Geely and found out all its features.

Pros of the new SC 7 car brand:

• large clearance;
• energy-intensive suspension;
• balanced management;
• great brakes;
• powerful, flexible, economical engine;
• large roomy trunk;
• rear seatbacks fold down;
• ignition key, as in a premium car.

Specialists note that it is not worth hastily criticizing the Belarusian Geely car: the car is not as bad as most motorists think when they hear the word “Chinese”.

… and disadvantages

Now for the cons.

• Uncomfortable fit, seat; steering wheel is low. This shortcoming is well felt by tall, tight riders.
• Muffled audio sound.
• USB-connector is mounted deep, so it is better to use a special adapter cable.
• The trunk can only be opened from inside.
• Armrests covered with thin material. For taxi drivers, they can wear out in a year.
• Not very powerful heated rear window.

Test drivers note that Belarusian Geely cars drive like Mercedes-Benz W124. They have a good “bottom”, and the gears switch smoothly. If manufacturers refine the design of seat height adjustment, thenthe car can deservedly be awarded the title of "good car".

The President of Belarus personally tested Geely

On May 4, 2014, Alexander Lukashenko tested a new Belarusian car “for strength” at the test site in Borisov. First, the head of state got behind the wheel of a Geely SC 7, then a Geely LC Cross, and finally drove a Geely EX crossover. According to the president, he was satisfied with the design and technical characteristics of the cars. A. Lukashenko also noted that SC 7 is an excellent option for novice drivers. The head of state admitted that the government plans to develop an incentive system that will increase the purchasing power of cars assembled in Belarus. “So far, such a program will operate in relation to the Belarusian buyer, but later it is planned to think about the “neighbors”,” A. Lukashenko stressed.

Plans and prospects of Belarusian automobile production

The automotive industry in Belarus is constantly developing. In the near future, the president plans to build a powerful plant near Borisov. Lukashenka plans to sell about 50,000 domestic cars a year, some of which should go to the Russian market. Geely Auto also officially enters the Brazilian car market. In addition, new Belarusian cars will soon be produced. The production of Opel and Chevrolet was launched in mid-2013. This year, auto brands should roll off the assembly line. This condition is stipulated by the framework agreement signed by the President withdirector of General Motors. The new project is controlled by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Belarusian state Piotr 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.