GAC (Guangzhou Auto Company) bought the rights, tooling, machinery and equipment from Fiat late last year to make its own version of the Alfa Romeo 166 - and here is the Chinese Alfa, under the nametag VIP Lounge. Despite a low-impact restyling and some fussier detailing - thought to be the work of Stile Bertone - the Italianate lines are still clear, even if the badge is unfamiliar and the front grille/rear fascia heavily Honda-influenced.
GAC, which builds local-market models for Honda and Toyota, intends to launch its own-brand range next year, headed up by this sedan. This model will be positioned part-way between large family models and luxury-class limousines. However, though re-engineered in Turin, it will be fitted with locally-sourced engines, and there are no plans for exports.
