【Beijing, March 26, 2024】 Focusing on the growth of the new generation of Chinese off-roaders and powering the Chinese hardcore off-road market, the 212 Off-Road Vehicle, together with the China Society of Automotive Engineers, jointly held a themed exchange event at the Beijing National Intelligent Connected Vehicle Innovation Center titled “Automotive Technology Lecture Hall – Hardcore Off-Road Classroom” and first unveiled the design sketches of the new model of the 212 off-road vehicle. Chinese hardcore off-road steadily advancing As a significant event focusing on the development of Chinese hardcore off-road, discussing the technical points and cultural trends in this field, the “Hardcore Off-Road Classroom” was attended by several industry experts including Professor Wang Weida, Vice Dean of the School of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering at Beijing Institute of Technology, Senior Consultant Kao Yanming of Ernst & Young Enterprise Consulting Co., Ltd., Lu Yunran, General Manager of 212 Off-Road Vehicle Co., Ltd., and Zhan Jingjing, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Society of Automotive Engineers, along with media and guests.
Throughout the global hardcore off-road key technologies, the main representatives are the non-load-bearing body and full-time four-wheel drive system, which have played a similar promoting role in the development history of hardcore off-road vehicle series in various countries. The core technology of hardcore off-road vehicle models is higher than ordinary SUV in terms of passability and off-road capability, and it has been continuously evolving in the development of more than a hundred years. China’s hardcore off-road has continuously improved in many key technologies, and has already possessed the strength and potential to compete in the international market.
The evolution of culture and core technology are interdependent. The global representative hardcore off-road vehicle series has formed a unique style in the cultural development process of its main markets, but the rugged, tough, indomitable, and challenging temperament represented by off-road vehicles has always remained unchanged. Reviewing the evolution of Chinese hardcore off-road culture, the Hua series hardcore off-road represented by the 212 off-road vehicle has important significance for the new generation of Chinese off-road enthusiasts.
“The true off-road culture and spirit constantly interpret the era significance of the word ‘off-road’, and it has more than just a new understanding of ‘off-road’, including the exploration of one’s potential, the exploration of the unknown, and the breakthrough of boundaries,” Mr. Lu Yunran, general manager of 212 Off-Road Vehicle, shared at the event. Mr. Lu Yunran and Mr. Chen Gang conducted on-site discussions around the development of the off-road vehicle industry and the history of classic off-road brands, sharing their own experiences with off-road and enjoying the vision of the 212 Off-Road Vehicle brand, inspiring the positive growth of the new generation of Chinese off-road enthusiasts.
212’s hardcore off-road redefined in a simple and pure way In this event, the design sketch of the new 212 off-road vehicle model made its debut for the first time. With the origin of Chinese off-road design as its original intention, the new model of 212 pays tribute to the classic with its outline, creates the future with its form, and shows the ultimate and pure combination of hardcore heritage and modern simplicity.
The all-new model has a square and tough outline, with a powerful and upright posture, conveying a strong off-road confidence with a visual impact that is both calm and dynamic. The iconic “one arch, two rounds, three horizontals, four verticals” family front face of the 212 off-road vehicle has undergone more than sixty years of erosion and honing, and the overall design is more simple, achieving a visual renewal while inheriting the classic design.
The “clamshell” engine cover design, which is also full of design continuity, accompanies the simplified design of the new model to ensure visual beauty and further optimize the overall vehicle drag coefficient. The striking headlights, combined with the cross-shaped daytime running lights, and the heritage design of the single “anti-aircraft light,” all reveal the journey from the 212 era and the determination to move towards the future.
The car’s lines are simple and pure, returning to the basics and embodying the classic philosophical idea of “round sky, square earth” in Chinese traditional culture. The “tower-style” high waistline surrounds the car, giving it a powerful overall posture from every angle. The solemn and symmetrical design of the new model reflects a rigorous attitude towards hardcore off-roading. Taking this opportunity, the 212 off-road vehicle, in collaboration with the China Automotive Engineering Society, will contribute to the development of the hardcore off-road market, the popularization of off-road technology, and the confidence in off-road culture. “Chinese off-road vehicles originate from 212”, and the 212 off-road vehicle has contributed to the construction of the country. This year is also the brand year for the 212 off-road vehicle, and in the future, it will give this symbol a deeper meaning and continue to move forward.