From concept to ‘cart’ in two days as Wuling responds to Premier’s call
Chinese companies are famous for their business acumen, but a domestic car brand has just taken this to a new level.
Domestic carmaker Wuling on Wednesday unveiled a lowcost mini-van with wing-like planks that can transform the vehicle into a roadside stall instantly.
The company said this would be the “standard issue” for the street economy, which has gained government backing as the economy strives to get back on its feet following the economic shock of COVID-19.
Boosted by the news, shares of Hong Kong-listed Wuling Motors rose 120 percent during intraday trading on Wednesday.
The company, an icon on Chinese social media platforms where it's known as the "divine instrument for returns on investment" for its low-cost commercial van offerings, seized an opportunity just two days after
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang acknowledged that roadside stalls and small shops are important sources for jobs during an inspection tour on Monday.
On Wuling's WeChat public account, a computer-simulated image shows the van with its side cargo trunk plank opened up. The van becomes a fruit stand with promotions like "one button away from unfolding" and "you can start a business with small capital."
It is not the first time Wuling
has fast-tracked a product. Wuling quickly switched into face mask production in just three days when the COVID-19 caused a severe shortage of the medical product in February.
The freight van with its falcon wing became one of the most discussed topics on China's WeChat social media platform, attracting over 100,000 views as of press time.
Cong Yi, a professor at the Tianjin University of Finance and Economics, said that fast adaptability by Chinese companies to market needs are helping the Chinese economy on its recovery, which is the fastest in the world.
Others pointed out such vans could help cities regulate street-side businesses using car license plates. Many pointed out that even as the country is developing street economies, there is a need to maintain order and tidiness in urban areas.