Founded on 27 September 2003, in
Taizhou, Zhejiang, the company occupied a 268,000 m2 Campus. Production launched with the Gonow AGE, with an initial production of 60,000 units. Gonow spent 351.5 million RMB expanding its grounds by 100 acres, and production was increased to 200,000 units per year. Gonow partnered with
Wuhan University of Technology, taking over construction of the
Gonow Automobile R&D Center. In 2006, Gonow entered the
European Union market, in a joint venture with the Italian company
DR Motor Company SpA. Two SUV models were produced under license, and were marketed under the brand name
Katay Gonow. On 24 October 2010, Gonow was the first Chinese car to score points in a
FIA world championship, with its Italian Team Sonia Ielo – Francesca Olivoni taking 8th place in the Ecorally
San Marino –
Vatican City of the
FIA Alternative Energies Cup. In 2010, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC) bought 51% of Gonow. Gonow announced in March 2015 that the company will start concentrating on constructing
Trumpchi vehicles, raising anger from its dealers since the unsold Gonow vehicles and spare parts were mortgaged by various banks. In 2015, GAC Group announced that Gonow will be integrated into the company as a subsidiary. It's been reported that the 49% stake of Gonow will be purchased and will halt further production/sales in 2016 due to problems in committing to aftermarket sales and production/delivery of its vehicles to Gonow dealers. == Former Products ==