Shanghai (ZXZC)- Evergrande Auto, the EV unit of Chinese property conglomerate Evergrande Group, has recently kicked off the trial production at its Shanghai and Guangzhou manufacturing bases, according to a posting released via Hengchi's WeChat account.

The automaker plans to start the volume production of its Hengchi-branded vehicles in the second half of 2021. Both Shanghai and Guangzhou plants are expected to produce one vehicle per minute when their capacities become fully operational, according to the local report.

Hengchi 1-Hengchi 6; photo credit: Hengchi

Evergrande Auto said it aims to build production capacity for 1 million electric vehicles by 2025, and for 5 million units by 2035.

Earlier this week, the company launched the all-new logo for its Hengchi brand that conveys its ambition to build itself into a world-class EV manufacturer.

The multi-colored logo embodies Evergrande Auto's corporate vision and sense of responsibility. At the center of the shield-shaped badge is a golden lion, which signifies the company's aspiration to build a world-renowned EV brand. The blue and red spaces above and below the lion indicate the automaker's resolution to develop clean energy and the confidence in win a decisive victory despite the fierce competition, Evergrande Auto said via its WeChat account. 

Previously named Evergrande Health, the company changed its name to Evergrande Auto in late August as the NEV has become its most important business.

On August 3, Evergrande Health announced the first phase of six models under the Hengchi brand. According to the naming rules the company unveiled this week, the name of Hengchi model will be composed of the brand name, a number and two letters. The model will be numbered according to the order of hitting the market. The first letter indicates the price range—“L” is for the “Luxury” priced below 250,000 yuan ($37,690); “S” is for the “Super Luxury” priced between 250,000 yuan ($37,690) and 500,000 yuan ($75,380); “F” is for the “Flagship” model priced at or above 500,000 yuan ($75,380). The second letter means the body style---the “S”, “X” and “M” stands for sedan, SUV and MPV respectively. For instance, the “Hengchi 8 SX” was a super luxury SUV and the eighth model Hengchi puts onto the market.