Intro: Although Tianjin Auto Works produced its first automobile back in 1968, production of Daihatsu-licenced automobiles started only in 1984. The first batch of Daihatsu Charade 1000s were completed in 1986. A year later, the Tianjin Xiali TJ 730 hatchback went into production using a locally made Daihatsu engine
In 1990 the TJ 7100 succeeded the TJ 730. The TJ 7100U, a booted-version, appeared in 1991. In 1997 the front and rear end were updated, the new version being called the TJ 7100A/TJ 7100UA. At the end of 1990s the yearly production was over 100.000 units.
In July, 2000 the Tianjin Xiali corporation established an assembly plant with Toyota, the Tianjin Toyota Motor Co. Both partners, Toyota and Tianjin Xiali own 50%. In December 2000 the Xiali 2000 TJ 7136, the local version of the Toyota Platz rolled off the assembly line.
As the company suffered huge losses in 2002 it was absorbed into the FAW empire in June, 2002. Production of the Toyota Vitz (Vizi) commenced in late 2002.
Production in 2003: TJ-series: 99009, Vizi: 5496
In 2004 an updated Platz appeared, called the Vela. |
