Metalnewsnet 30 Jun ：

Xinhua reported that Dongfeng Motor Co Ltd celebrated the start of construction on an engine plant which will begin manufacturing self-developed engines for passenger vehicles in the second half of 2011.

Mr Li Chunrong vice general manager of Dongfeng Passenger Vehicle Company said the engine plant will have the capacity to produce 60,000 1.6 liter engines a year upon completion of the first phase in 2011.

He didn't talk about the plant long term construction plans.

Mr Li said the engine plant aimed to produce a variety of self-developed engines for all Dongfeng economic and high end passenger vehicles.

The passenger vehicle division of Dongfeng based in central China Hubei province has launched two self-developed models, Fengshen S30 and H30, both of which have used engines made by China-France joint venture Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen.

Dongfeng has sold 33,000 units of the Fengshen series passenger car 10 months after the car's market debut.

( from Xinhua)