Qoros planning to come to Britain

Chinese brand Qorus looks set to come to Britain after all. Despite a high-profile launch at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, it was unclear if sales in the UK were on the agenda. But sales and marketing boss Stefano Villanti boss says Qorus will come here. 

“As you can imagine right-hand drive is a big investment for a small company like us, but we are putting all the elements  together and we think it is our next development step – so that means the UK as well,” he said. 

Qorus sales began at the end of last year in China and Europe. “In Europe we have started a small pilot in Slovakia and are planning a major launch two years from now,” continued Villanti.

“Right-hand drive will be after 2016, though, for sure. Britain will not be one of the first countries in Europe.”

A four-strong range will be offered on the Continent – the 3 hatch, saloon, a crossover and SUV. And budget pricing is not on the cards. “We will not be low cost. We will be competitive with mainstream brands,” said Villanti.

The top-spec 3 – awarded a five-star crash test rating by Euro NCAP last year – is currently on sale in Slovakia and costs 20,960 Euros (£17,200).

Villanti does not believe it will be difficult to convince UK buyers of Qorus’ merits. “It will be easier than convincing Chinese customers,” he said. “Our proposition is the new ‘Made in China’. It is well engineered, well designed, to the highest standard.

“Our objective is to have an internationally competitive product.” 

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