By Jason Tan
STAFF REPORTER
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009, Page 12
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A model and two panda mascots introduce Yulon’s new Tobe M’car in Taipei yesterday. The EV, or electric vehicle, is designed based on the 1.3-liter Panda hatchback made by Chinese automaker Geely, and assembled in Taiwan with improved interior and safety features. PHOTO: KAO CHIA-HO, TAIPEI TIMES
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Following the launch of its first own auto brand “Luxgen” (ç´�智æ�·) in September, Yulon Motor Co (裕隆汽車) yesterday unveiled a second brand — “Tobe” (酷比) — that will target the domestic and export markets.
The nation’s biggest automaker plans to start exporting Tobe cars to Vietnam next month, which will be followed shortly by sales to the Philippines, China and the Middle East, Hsu Kuo-hsing (許國興), president of Yulon Tobe Motor Co (裕隆酷比汽車), told reporters on the sidelines of the launch.
Yulon Tobe was founded with a capital of NT$200 million (US$6.1 million) and is 100 percent owned by Yulon Motor.
Hsu refused to reveal export figures, saying the company was waiting for market feedback after Tobe’s launch.
Tobe cars are a revamped model based on the Panda car of Chinese automaker Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd (�利汽車), a technology partner of Yulon.
Hsu said more than 35 percent of the car parts — including the engine