1000 Xiali autos will set sail from Tianjin port at the end of this month bound for Syria, the trade and distribution center of the Middle East. The Xiali N3 model makes up the principal part of this shipment.

Mr. Wei Jianguo, Vice Minister of Commerce, stated recently that auto and auto part manufacturing symbolized the high level of technology and comprehensive competitiveness of China's industrial sector. The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) will adopt effective measures to encourage and support independently developed, native auto brands in an effort to develop the overseas market.

Xiali started as part of Japan's Daihatsu. But, during the past 18 years, engineers of Tianjin FAW have made numerous technological improvements and upgrades to the original model. Currently, the Xiali series is nearly 100% produced in China. After absorbing Daihatsu's core technologies, the Tianjin company has established the first auto platform with completely independent intellectual property rights in China. Last August, they successfully developed the vigorous Xiali N3 on this platform. Immediately after entering the market, the new model received a warm welcome from all around the country with its fashionable appearance and high quality.

(Chinanews.cn March 23, 2005)