We recently obtained the patent application materials for Zotye's new model code-named "A40C". Both the model code and the appearance design are familiar. The prototype is the model code-named A40 that Zotye began developing in 2017. It was later transferred to support the newly established direct brand Junma and became the Junma S70 model. However, Junma Motors now exists in name only. There were previous rumors that it would be acquired by Sany Heavy Industry, but the rumors were finally refuted by the official. And this new car, which has not yet had much chance to compete in the market, will return to the Zotye brand and make a comeback.
If we want to say that Zotye changed its mind, gave up its copycat strategy, and took a forward development path, it actually started with the A40 model. Because of its sudden change of guard, the Zotye A16 (TS5) was released later. and B21 models. The Junma S70 simply changed the A40's vertical air intake grille to a T-shaped grille. Today, the A40C still continues to be positioned as a seven-seat crossover SUV, but the front facelift is still relatively large. The body part is still a strong MPV style, with a cross-border combination of roof racks, body surrounds and other SUV kits.
The entire front of the A40C is more square and thicker than the Junma S70, and it looks obviously more SUV-like. The new Zotye LOGO and the chrome trim strips extending to the headlights on both sides are all new design elements that appear on the TS5 and B21 models. The new flat headlights are expected to be equipped with full LED light sources. The air intake grille has a trapezoidal outline stacked up and down. The imitation grille decoration on both sides of the front bumper is more sporty, with horizontal strips of LED front fog lights running through it.
The side of the body is basically unchanged, including details such as the chrome trim on the fenders. The changes at the rear of the car are also not big. The hidden D-pillar remains the same. The taillight group is just changed to a more three-dimensional light housing, and more LED light sources are rearranged, but the outline of the light body remains unchanged. The rear bumper has eliminated the exposed decorative exhaust pipes, and instead enlarged the black surround and silver lower guard to enhance the SUV's momentum.
The interior has been redesigned. Although it is still a conjoined LCD instrument and multimedia screen with dual 12.3-inch screens, the entire center console has changed from the T-shaped style of the Junma S70 to the horizontal pull of the A40C. Stretch layout. The air-conditioning control panel has been moved above the central air vent, and the entire air vent also has through-type chrome trim strips to outline a one-piece style. In addition, the sub-instrument panel, rear water cup holder and armrest box have been modified accordingly.
The entire Zotye Automobile is now undergoing subtraction. Junma has ceased to exist in name only. Hanteng Automobile, which has never achieved success, is also moving towards independent development, and the original Zotye Damai series has basically been transferred to Dacheng Automobile. The L10 model, which can be said to have reached the peak of imitation, finally gave up its planned Zotye T900 status and placed it in the newly established Hanlong Automobile. The high positioning and high cost are destined to be a loss-making business.
Zhongtai’s main brand is streamlined and streamlined, and is determined to follow an independent and original development route. The carefully crafted A16 compact SUV is named TS5, which also means the birth of a new model system. There will be a subsequent medium-sized SUV code-named B21, which also maintains a high degree of originality. Then there is this new car code-named A40C. Since it is just a facelift, the launch process will be relatively fast.
Strictly speaking, the A40C can only be regarded as a crossover MPV model. Whether it is positioned as an MPV or an SUV depends entirely on the manufacturer. The Geely Jiaji, which is very similar in length, width and height to the Zotye A40C, is positioned as an MPV model. In addition to the 2+3 five-seat version and the 2+3+2 seven-seat version of the Junma S70, the Geely A40 has also tested the 2+2+2 six-seat version earlier, so it may become the car layout plan of the new A40C .
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.