Why was the Wuling Zhiguang V discontinued?

[LeDaisy]

The discontinuation was due to the vehicle's low configuration and poor comfort, although the Wuling Zhiguang V performs well as a utility vehicle. Below are the relevant details: Exterior: The Wuling Zhiguang V features a more stylish design, with triangular headlights paired with a single horizontal grille, along with a more design-forward front bumper and fog light styling, giving the front fascia a touch of homey appeal amidst its modern look. Powertrain: In terms of power, the Wuling Zhiguang V is equipped with an N12-type 1.2L i-VVT naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 82 horsepower and a peak torque of 116 Nm. For the transmission system, it is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

[McRowan]

As a veteran driver who's been using Wuling for logistics, honestly, the discontinuation of the Wuling Zhiguang V doesn't come as a surprise. Although this vehicle is tough and durable, its configurations haven't seen significant upgrades for years—even basic features like airbags are only available in the top trim. Nowadays, delivery drivers prefer to spend a bit more on the Hongguang V, which offers a larger cargo space and comes with ABS. SAIC-GM-Wuling has clearly shifted its focus to new energy vehicles in recent years, with most vans on the road now sporting green license plates. The key issue is the shrinking microvan market, compounded by stricter urban enforcement against mixed passenger-cargo transport. Younger customers are gravitating towards compact EVs like the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV. This model has gradually been marginalized.

[DeEmilio]

A relative of mine who has worked at a Wuling 4S store for ten years said the discontinuation of the Zhiguang V was mainly due to policy impacts. First, the China VI emission standards significantly raised the threshold, making it too costly to recalibrate the old 1.2L engine. Later, new regulations for microvans required the installation of ABS and tire pressure monitoring systems, adding a fixed cost of three to four thousand yuan per vehicle. Meanwhile, MPVs like the Baojun 730 and Wuling Hongguang S kept lowering their prices, taking away a large number of customers. The manufacturer's reports showed monthly sales of this model dropping to triple digits, and the production line was shifted to manufacturing the hybrid version of the Capgemini. Now, the display spots in the store have been given to new energy models.

[CarsonFitz]

A friend in the auto trade business in the county town shook his head when talking about this. The Zhiguang V has been hard to sell since 2020, and now even the rural market finds its interior too basic. Nowadays, buyers of microvans have a budget of around 50,000 yuan, expecting a vehicle that can haul goods while also serving as a family car like the Hongguang. Look at the new Rongguang mini-truck, which comes standard with a reverse camera, or the Changan Kuayue Wang with its power windows—even the top trim of the Zhiguang V still has manual windows. Young buyers also care about looks, and the boxy design of the Zhiguang V hasn’t changed in a decade, while the new Wuling Yangguang electric van has a much more stylish design. Ultimately, it’s the manufacturer phasing out outdated production capacity.

[LeNevaeh]

As an automotive industry analyst, the data speaks volumes. The Wuling Zhiguang series saw its 2021 sales halve year-on-year, while the Hongguang V grew by 23% during the same period. The cost accounting is even more telling: using the same production line, the Hongguang V boasts an 11 percentage point higher gross margin. Currently, 60% of Liuzhou factory capacity is allocated to new energy vehicles, with even the newly launched Wuling Bingo EV production line being converted from the original Zhiguang V facility. Recently, pre-sale orders for the Wuling Xingguang EV exceeded 10,000 units, naturally prompting manufacturers to concentrate resources on profitable models. Essentially, production discontinuation is an inevitable outcome of market selection.

[AaliyahAnn]

Auto repair shops have seen this situation many times. Customers complain that the Zhiguang V has more minor issues than the Hongguang, with dashboard rattling being a common problem, and the underbody rustproofing isn't done well enough. The key issue is that the price difference isn't significant—the latest 1.5L Hongguang V is only 3,000 yuan more expensive than the Zhiguang V, yet it offers 30% more power and better fuel efficiency. According to manufacturer repair data, the 2020 Zhiguang V has an electrical failure rate 1.8 times higher than its peers. It seems the manufacturer believes improving it isn't as worthwhile as launching new models. This year, Wuling is heavily promoting the Xingyun hybrid MPV, starting at just over 80,000 yuan, with features suitable for both family use and cargo hauling, naturally leaving little room for older microvans.