SAIC-GM-Wuling, or SGMW, just hit a massive milestone. The joint venture announced its 8 millionth MPV, a brand new Starlight 730, has just rolled off the production line in China. This incredible achievement makes SGMW the very first Chinese automaker to reach such a staggering number in the MPV segment.
SGMW isn’t new to the game. Its journey started back in 2010 with the legendary Wuling Hongguang, a vehicle that became synonymous with practical, no-nonsense transportation across China. Today, its lineup has expanded to include models like the Jia Chen, Hongguang, Zhengcheng, and Kaijie, but the core mission remains.
Meet the Starlight 730
The car marking this historic moment, the Wuling Starlight 730, isn’t just for show. It represents the company’s forward momentum, with both left-hand and right-hand drive versions produced for domestic and overseas markets, respectively. The company isn’t wasting any time either, with the official public reveal set for the 2025 Chengdu Auto Show later this month.
SGMW already gave the world a sneak peek of its global plans. Back in July, it debuted the right-hand-drive variant, known as the Wuling Cortez Darion, at the Indonesia International Auto Show. An official launch there is planned for the fourth quarter of this year.
A Powertrain for Every Driver
One of the most compelling aspects of the Starlight 730 is its flexibility. It will be available with three different powertrain options: a fully electric BEV, a plug-in hybrid PHEV, and a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). This strategy allows SGMW to cater to a wide range of customer needs and infrastructure realities, from dense urban centers to regions where charging is less common.
The design cleverly distinguishes the different versions. This is a common trend in modern EV design, where visual cues signal the technology underneath. The BEV model features a clean, closed-off front grille, accented by a black center stripe and a lower trapezoidal intake. In contrast, the PHEV and ICE models sport a much larger, more traditional trapezoidal grille to meet their cooling needs.
With dimensions of 4910mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1770mm in height, plus a generous 2910mm wheelbase, the Starlight 730 promises ample space for families and cargo, continuing the Wuling MPV legacy of practicality.
