Talk about the new world order for automobile manufacturing. While the world's largest automakers struggle under the weight of their massive organizations, an ex-pilot and car distributor in Italy put together a small SUV for sale entirely via outsourcing deals. The DR3 and DR5, three- and five-door versions of the RAV4-like model, premiered at the Bologna show this past week. The body is made in China and shipped to Italy, where it's fitted to a Fiat platform and 120 hp, 1.9-liter turbodiesel powerplant. The company says the SUV will go on sale in March 2007 at a base price of around 16,000 Euros. More to come as the world turns his way slightly.
DR3 & DR5: Toyota RAV4 copycat made in China, assembled in Italy using Fiat engine! [Carscoop]
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DIY Chinese Car: Mr. Hu's Amphibious SUV [internal]