Seven-Seat Minivan From Chery

Chinese automaker Chery is rolling out the production version of its V2 show vehicle, a seven-passenger minivan with the interestingly spelled name of Riich. (Yes, it has two "I"s.)

The minivan segment in China is continuing to expand. New minivans are usually derivatives of existing vehicles such as the Suzuki Carry commercial-style minivan, and taxi companies and small businesses are their major consumers. This is the demographic Chery will appeal to with the new Riich.

The Riich minivan was first unveiled at the 2006 Beijing Auto Show as the V2.

It has slightly awkward styling, but its seven-seat capacity and low (under $8,000) price should attract customers. The Riich will be powered by Chery's self-developed 1.3-liter ACTECO gas engine. Preliminary specifications show it will have dual front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS, EBD and a CD player.

The Riich will be formally unveiled at the forthcoming Changchun Auto Show in mid-July and will go on sale in China after that.