After running the Chinese-built FAW trucks on the South African highways for the last nearly twenty years, the FAW Group has recently revealed that it is now expanding its presence in the country, with the launch of FAW passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

With the JSE-listed Imperial Group to be the local distribution partner for the new FAW car and LCV line-up in South Africa, the first FAW LCV to hit the South African markets is the Sirius seven-seater people carrier and a panel-van derivative, respectively costing R159 995 and R149 995.

The first Sirius model to be launched in the South African market features a 1.3 l petrol engine; with a power output of 67 kW at 6 000 rpm, and 120 Nm of torque available at 4 000 rpm. Later, the Sirius range to be extended to another model which will be powered by a 1.5 l petrol engine.

Both the Sirius models will be retailed via Imperial Group's 13 existing multi-franchise dealers, as well as an independent outlet in Witbank.

Marking further expansion of the FAW brand in South Africa by early next year, the FAW range for the country will be expanded to the V2, a small hatchback which will be available in 1.3 l and 1.5 l petrol engines. In addition, joining the FAW line-up in mid-2013 will be a B-segment sedan.