Qoros Auto Co., Ltd. was a Chinese automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Shanghai, China. Its principal activity was the design, development, production, and sale of passenger cars under the Qoros marque.
| Website | www.qoros.com/global/ |
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History
Qoros was founded as a joint venture between Chery and Israel Corporation in December 2007 under the name Chery Quantum Automotive Corporation (CQAC). The name was changed to Qoros Auto Co., Ltd. in November 2011. In December 2017, Baoneng Group secured a 51 percent stake in Qoros for 6.6 billion RMB.
The first production model, the Qoros 3, made its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013 and went on sale in China in November 2013.
Name
Qoros is an invented word. The ‘Q’ is intended to represent quality, while the name as a whole is meant to echo the Greek chorus, symbolizing a collective voice, reflecting the multinational nature of the company.
Expansion and Challenges
Qoros was established during a peak in China’s automotive industry development, following the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization and rapid growth in vehicle production and sales. The company opened an office in Shanghai in September 2008 and signed a cooperation agreement with Magna Steyr in October 2009. By June 2010, Qoros had relocated its production plant to Changshu Economic & Technological Development Zone.
The company unveiled its first prototype in October 2011, followed by a formal unveiling ceremony in Jiangsu Province. The Qoros 3 sedan, introduced in 2013, featured modern technology and earned Euro NCAP safety certification.
In 2017, Qoros paused retail operations in Europe and shifted focus to South America. By early 2018, Baoneng Investment Group had increased its stake to 63 percent, with Chery retaining 25 percent and Kenon Holdings 12 percent. In January 2020, Baoneng purchased PSA’s assembly plant in Shenzhen, previously operated by Changan PSA.
The Qoros 7, launched in September 2020, was the brand’s first model under Baoneng Investment Group’s control.
Financial Crisis and Dissolution
As Baoneng Group reported financial troubles in 2021, Qoros faced a financial crisis. In 2022, the Anhui Province Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Zone People’s Court auctioned off Qoros’ production equipment. Many of the company’s assets were seized, and Qoros’ car-sharing brand, “Linked Cloud,” began withdrawing from the market.
In March 2022, Qoros was dissolved due to declining sales and increased competition from higher-quality brands. Although the company ceased operations, its after-sales services continued.
In May 2022, the Shandong Automobile Circulation Association included Baoneng Qoros Auto in its consumer blacklist, issuing a warning due to store closures and unresponsive customer service. As of July 12, 2023, Qoros faced multiple legal actions, including execution orders totaling over 960 million yuan and consumption restriction orders exceeding 420 million yuan.
Sales
2014
Sales in China began in December 2013, with 1,490 Qoros 3 cars sold in the first four months of 2014. By August, sales had reached 2,540 units. Total sales for the year were under 7,000, prompting management changes.
2015
Qoros sold 14,000 cars in 2015.
2016
Sales increased by 70 percent, reaching 24,188 units. Qoros had initially planned to expand into Europe but formally canceled those plans in April 2017.
Models
Production Models
- Qoros 3 (2013–?) – Sedan, Hatchback, Estate, City SUV
- Qoros 5 (2016–?) – CUV
- Qoros 7 (2020–?) – SUV
- Qoros Young – Rebadged Chery Tiggo 7
Concept Vehicles
- Qoros 3 Estate Concept (2013)
- Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept (2013)
Product Gallery
- Qoros 3 City SUV
- Qoros 3 Estate
- Qoros 3 Hatchback
- Qoros 3 Sedan
- Qoros 5
- Qoros 7
