Shinwon CK Motors, a Korean car dealer network dedicated to Chinese brands, said on Thursday it will start local distribution of minitrucks, light-duty trucks and freight vans from Dongfeng Motor Group Co, China`s second-largest automaker, from May this year.

Shinwon CK Motors is selling now BAIC Yinxiang’s CK minivan and minitruck models and SUV Kenbo 600 among others.

Shinwon CK Motors will add vehicles to its lineup from DFSK (Dongfeng Sokon), the export arm of Dongfeng Motor Group to ship up to 500,000 cars through its global network spanning 70 countries including Germany, the UK and Italy.

Shinwon CK Motors said the pre-orders will begin next month for the 0.7-ton minitruck (K01), the 0.9-ton C31 (a flat-bed single cab), the C32 (a flat-bed double cab) and the C35 (a micro panel van). These vehicles will be available with various safety functions such as dual airbags for driver and front passenger, electronic stability system, hill start assist control and traction control system, as well as central door locking, remote door key, parking assist system and power steering.

Price tags will be released next month, which are expected to be below 15 million won ($14,000) given the prices overseas.

On top of DFSK models, Dongfeng Motor is producing quality passenger cars through multiple joint ventures with Kia, Honda, Nissan and Peugeot, Shinwon CK Motors said.

By Lee Seung-hoon and Minu Kim

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]