A New Contender in a Crowded Field
The Chinese car market is a brutal arena. Experts constantly predict a mass extinction of local brands thanks to the intense competition, and some, like Neta, have stumbled. Yet, new players keep jumping into the fray. The latest is Aishang, a new brand from Wuling aimed squarely at young, urban buyers.
Wuling, part of the Guangxi Automotive Group and famous for its SGMW joint venture with GM and SAIC, is no stranger to the market. But with Aishang, it’s making a solo play. The brand’s first offering is the A100C, a compact battery-electric hatchback that just started mass production. It’s slated to hit the market in October 2025.
Why Go Small?
While many brands are chasing the profits in large crossovers, Wuling is doubling down on what it knows best, small, affordable cars. It’s a calculated move. Wuling’s deputy GM, Wang Zhiqiang, pointed out that the domestic demand for small cars exploded in the first half of 2025, with sales jumping 63% year-over-year to over 425,000 units.
Wang sees a clear strategic opportunity. He believes modern cars need to be more than just transport, they should be “attractive, easy to use, and social.” Wuling isn’t just launching another car, it’s tapping into a cultural shift. This is a company that understands the value of accessible mobility, having sold over 1.7 million units of its iconic Hongguang Mini EV.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak power | 35 | kW | Equivalent to 51 hp |
| Peak torque | 83 | Nm | Rear-axle single motor |
| Range (CLTC) | 220 | km | Ideal for city driving |
| Battery capacity | 17.65 | kWh | LFP chemistry |
| Battery supplier | Gotion | — | A major Chinese battery manufacturer |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 3285/1708/1550 | mm | Compact city footprint |
| Wheelbase | 1980 | mm | Slightly larger than a Wuling Mini EV |
A Closer Look at the Aishang A100C
The Aishang A100C is a two-door, four-seat city car designed with a “cute” aesthetic common in its class. It’s got a bit of attitude, though, with headlights that give it a frowning expression. The design features blackened pillars for a floating roof effect, aerodynamic wheel covers, and a small air intake up front. It keeps things simple with conventional door handles and a charging port on the front right fender.
Size-wise, it’s a bit more generous than its famous sibling. At 3285 mm long and 1708 mm wide, it offers a slightly larger footprint than the 2025 Wuling Mini EV, promising a bit more interior space.
Under the skin, it’s all about efficiency. A single rear-axle motor provides 35 kW (51 hp) and 83 Nm of torque, which is plenty for zipping through city traffic. Power comes from a 17.65 kWh LFP battery pack made by Gotion, delivering a CLTC range of 220 km. It’s a simple, robust setup designed for low-cost ownership and daily usability.
With a launch price expected to be under 100,000 yuan (about $14,000 USD), the A100C is set to take on established rivals like the Chery QQ Ice Cream and the Changan Lumin. Backed by a manufacturing giant like Changan, Wuling is confidently entering this highly competitive space, betting that its blend of style, usability, and affordability will capture the hearts of China’s next generation of drivers.
