Chinese electric sports car Qiantu K50 to come to US roads next year

CHICAGO - Chinese electric sports car Qiantu K50 debuted at the 2019 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday and is expected to come to US roads next year.

Developed by Chinese New Energy Vehicle (NEV) startup Qiantu Motor with a US distribution network by California-based Mullen Technologies, Qiantu K50 is a 402-bhp all-electric luxury sports car with aluminum frame and carbon fiber body closures.

"We are thrilled to bring the Qiantu K50 to the North American epicenter of luxury, design and entrepreneurial spirit -- New York City," Mullen Founder & CEO, David Michery, said at the auto show. "These are three of our brand's core values, which are embodied in our first flagship vehicle with zero CO2 emissions."

Qiantu Motor was established in 2015 by CH-AUTO Technology Co, a Beijing-based auto design firm. Its plant in the east China city of Suzhou can produce up to 50,000 vehicles a year.

The Qiantu K50, unveiled in China in 2018, is now sold at about $100,000 in the Chinese market.

Qiantu Motor and Mullen Technologies signed a new cooperation agreement in December 2018 to homologate and assemble cars in the United States for sales in North America. Mullen said in late March that the K50 will be manufactured in North America with deliveries of first orders set for 2020.

Mullen said it is to make the car available to North American consumers at an unexpectedly affordable cost by importing assembly-ready components and utilizing American-sourced key components.

A limited number of reservations will be accepted by Mullen in 2019.