Why doesn't Sehol use Volkswagen engines?
4 Answers
Because Sehol is launched by JAC Motors, the engines used in Sehol are domestically produced by JAC Group. Here are the specific details about Sehol: Historical Background: The Spanish name "SOL" of the Sehol brand means "sun". Originally, it was a new energy brand under JAC Volkswagen. However, with the advancement of the joint venture between JAC and Volkswagen, it has now become the fifth joint venture sub-brand of Volkswagen in China and the first brand under the JAC Volkswagen joint venture. The brand's products include both fuel vehicles and pure electric vehicles. Main Models: As the 13th sub-brand of Volkswagen, Sehol includes three product categories: sedans, SUVs, and MPVs. The currently available models are Sehol E20X, Sehol A5, and Sehol X8, covering both traditional fuel vehicles and the new energy vehicle market.
As an automotive technology enthusiast, I often research the Sehol brand. Sehol is a joint venture between Volkswagen and JAC, so why doesn't it use pure Volkswagen engines? In terms of technology sharing, Volkswagen provides the platform and know-how, but the engine is developed by the Sehol team as a localized version, which helps reduce costs and adapt to the Chinese market demand. For example, the Sehol E20X electric vehicle uses the core technology of Volkswagen's MEB concept, but the powertrain is optimized by JAC, saving more on material costs and tariffs. Additionally, China's new energy policies promote electrification, so models like the Sehol E20X skip traditional engines altogether, focusing on pure electric systems to reduce dependency. This cooperation model enhances efficiency while ensuring quality, and Sehol users experience the same reliability in actual driving, making expensive imported components unnecessary. In the long run, modular sharing is the trend, and Sehol's independent positioning offers greater flexibility.
Every time I buy a car, I prioritize cost-effectiveness. Sehol is positioned as a people-friendly brand. If it were to use all Volkswagen engines, the price would skyrocket by over 30%, completely contradicting its original intention. After the joint venture, Sehol opted for Chinese domestic engines. For example, the Sehol X7 uses JAC-developed powertrains, with locally sourced parts saving on freight and taxes. Chinese market consumers pursue economical, practical, and low-priced cars that are easy to maintain with cheap replacement parts. In the electric era, government subsidies emphasize local manufacturing. Sehol's electric vehicles, like the Sehol E40X, use domestic batteries, which are more efficient and cost-effective, making them affordable for ordinary families with low maintenance costs. These practical benefits far outweigh the impracticality of using imported engines. In summary, from a cost perspective, localized production can significantly reduce expenses while keeping prices affordable for consumers, creating a win-win situation where both car buyers and manufacturers benefit.
I observe the brand strategy of Sehol Volkswagen joint venture aims to differentiate markets and avoid internal competition. If Volkswagen engines were used, Sehol would become a secondary brand, losing its unique appeal. Sehol mainly promotes youthfulness and innovative local technologies such as smart driving and comfortable cabins, while engines are less emphasized. JAC contributes its engine expertise to optimize small-displacement engines for efficiency and fuel economy, aligning with environmental trends, allowing Sehol cars like the Sehol A5 to focus on the core of user experience rather than the logo. Chinese users' demands change rapidly, and localized powertrains respond faster. Strategically, maintaining independence allows the Volkswagen main brand to remain premium, with both brands complementing each other to support overall market share growth.
