Why was the Soueast A5 Yiwu China VI model discontinued?

[VanNicole]

The reason for the discontinuation of the Soueast A5 Yiwu China VI model is the weak brand influence and lack of competitiveness of the Soueast brand. Below is an introduction to the Soueast A5 Yiwu: Dimensions: The body length, width, and height are 4588/1780/1485 mm, with a wheelbase of 2625 mm and a trunk space of 450L. It offers tires in two specifications: 195/65R15 and 195/60R16. Powertrain: Equipped with a Mitsubishi 1.5L all-aluminum optimized naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 120 horsepower and a peak torque of 143 Nm. The transmission system is paired with either a CVT continuously variable transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission, providing light starting and fast acceleration.

[TaliaMarie]

Recently noticed the news about the delisting of the Soueast A5 Yiwu National VI model, personally I think the main reason is the lukewarm market response. Although the car's price is affordable, its sales have never taken off, and it's rarely seen on the roads. Last year, the monthly sales at our local 4S store were only in the single digits. Plus, with domestic car manufacturers now pushing new energy and smart configurations, this car is still using outdated Mitsubishi engine technology, and the infotainment system can't even handle smartphone connectivity properly, which makes it unattractive to young people. The manufacturer found that the investment return wasn't proportional, so it's more cost-effective to discontinue production and free up the production line for new energy models. Actually, the Yiwu had a pretty sleek design when it was first launched, but unfortunately, the brand power couldn't compete with big players like Geely and Changan.

[LeAnderson]

From the perspective of product line adjustment, Southeast Motors is now focusing on shifting to the DX series SUVs and new energy vehicles. The A5 Yiwu, as an entry-level sedan, faces significant challenges in cost control, with profit margins even thinner than those of minivans. After the stricter China VI emission standards were implemented last year, upgrading the old 1.5L engine would require substantial investment in modifications. However, with monthly national sales of only a few hundred units for this model, further investment simply isn't justified. A friend of mine in the auto parts business mentioned that even aftermarket parts manufacturers are unwilling to produce molds for this car's components, effectively severing the entire supply chain. Automakers must also consider operational realities, making it more practical to allocate production capacity to the upcoming electric compact car.