Shanghai (ZXZC)- WEY, a premium SUV marque of Great Wall Motor, and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) officially found a joint technology innovation hub on April 24, which is going to help the SUV maker achieve breakthroughs in R&D and manufacturing areas.

(Photo source: WEY's official press release)

In the meantime, the SUV brand formally forged a strategic partnership with China Space Foundation and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). The CZ-11 launch vehicle, which is soon to be launched at sea, was named “CZ-11 WEY”. The CZ-11 (Chang Zheng-11), also known as LM-11 (Long March-11), is a small solid-fueled quick-reaction launch vehicle developed by CALT. This was the first time in which a state-level rocket was partly named after a brand from an enterprise.

Besides, the WEY VV6 Aerospace Commemorative Edition hit the market at the same time.

Liu Yanzhao, executive vice president of WEY brand, said that based on the current exterior design, WEY will draw inspiration from aerospace aerodynamics technology to improve its cars’ fuel economy and driving experience with a lower drag coefficient. Moreover, the SUV maker will reform the material applications taking advantage of the high-strength, high-stiffness and lightweight materials that are typically applied in aerospace machinery.

The WEY has so far sold over 250,000 vehicles since the brand was launched. According to Great Wall Motor, the SUV brand’s sales reached 10,247 units in March and totaled 26,619 units in the first quarter.