Gonow
Gonow is a Chinese manufacturer of automobiles, commercial vehicles and SUV's headquartered in Taizhou, Zhejiang and a subsidiary of GAC Group. It markets its products under the brand name GAC Gonow in China and as Gonow in other markets. The brand was discontinued in 2016. From 2009, Gonow vehicles were exported to Italy and registered there in the class for commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
History
The company was founded on 27 September 2003 with headquarters in Taizhou, Zhejiang. The campus covers an area of 268,000 m2. Production began with the Gonow AGE, with an initial phase of 60,000 units produced. Gonow spent 351.5 million RMB expanding its grounds by 100 acres, and increasing production to 200,000 units per year. They also began cooperation with Wuhan University of Technology, taking over construction of the Gonow Automobile R&D Center.In 2006, Gonow entered the European Union market, in a joint venture with the Italian company DR Motor Company SpA. Two SUV models were produced under license, and were marketed under the brand name Katay Gonow.
On 24 October 2010, Gonow was the first Chinese car to score points in a FIA world championship, with its Italian Team Sonia Ielo – Francesca Olivoni taking 8th place in the Ecorally San Marino – Vatican City of the FIA Alternative Energies Cup.
In 2010, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. bought 51% of Gonow. Gonow announced in March 2015 that the company will start concentrating on constructing Trumpchi vehicles, raising anger from its dealers since the unsold Gonow vehicles and spare parts were mortgaged by various banks.
In 2015, GAC Group announced that Gonow will be integrated into the company as a subsidiary. It's been reported that the 49% stake of Gonow will be purchased and will halt further production/sales in 2016 due to problems in committing to aftermarket sales and production/delivery of its vehicles to Gonow dealers.
Former Products
- Gonow Starry
- Gonow GX6
- Gonow Troy 500
- Gonow GP150
- Gonow Way/GA6380
- Gonow Way L
- Gonow Way CL
- Gonow Alter
- Gonow Dual Luck
- Gonow Troy 200
- Gonow FAN
- Gonow Finite
- Gonow GA6530, a van based on the Toyota HiAce with a restyled front end that resembles the Toyota HiAce
- Gonow GS-1
- Gonow GS-2
- Gonow GS50 II
- Gonow Minivan
- Gonow Saboo
- Gonow Jetstar also known as GS50 from 2005
- Gonow Lightweight
- Gonow E Mei
- Gonow Troy 300
- Gonow Aoosed G5