Jiuzhou Mini

Biodata

Background / History

The Jiuzhou Mini began as an experimental vehicle modeled after the Wuling Hongguang Mini. Zhou Fengyan spent more than twenty days developing its prototype, which became Jiuzhou Automobile's second product. Early observers noted its car-like exterior but questioned whether a battery-and-motor vehicle without an engine or transmission qualified as a conventional car. 7

Jiuzhou Automobile mass-produced the Mini shortly afterward and sent a ten-car employee convoy into the city to promote it. The cars attracted attention for their compact appearance, agile handling, and unexpectedly favorable driving feel. 10

The Mini became the factory's initial commercial foundation. By early 2009, Jiuzhou Automobile had sold roughly 3,000 units within several months, with potential orders reaching 5,000. Its appeal came from low operating costs, no gasoline requirement, limited local restrictions, and a lack of direct competitors in the low-speed electric-vehicle market. 35

Early demand outpaced manufacturing capacity, leaving customers willing to wait months for delivery. Jiuzhou Automobile later expanded direct sales throughout Xichuan Province and added contract manufacturers to meet demand. 15 56 92

Development Timeline

Design and Features

The Jiuzhou Mini is a compact four-wheeled low-speed electric vehicle. It is intended as a practical personal vehicle rather than a conventional sedan, with particular appeal to elderly users seeking independent local transportation. 5 40

• Uses an electric motor and battery pack instead of a traditional engine and transmission. 7
• Does not require gasoline; factory representatives also describe it as not requiring a driver's license. 92
• Operates more slowly than ordinary cars, but is manufactured through processes comparable to normal automobile production. 92
• Seats two or three occupants comfortably; four can fit if necessary, though the interior is cramped. 40
• Uses a simplified selector with Drive, Reverse, and Park, rather than numbered gears. 61
• Direct-sales stores provide safety DVDs, practice areas, and driving instruction for inexperienced elderly buyers. 58 62

Battery and Range

Early buyers considered battery durability and replacement cost a weakness. Jiuzhou Automobile addressed these concerns with an upgraded Hengxin battery advertised with a ten-year warranty. 58

A special top-trim customization ordered by Zhang Jingyue placed an additional Hengxin battery pack in a roof-mounted luggage box. This configuration increased range to 400 kilometers, though charging required one day and two nights; it also added a 220V inverter outlet for small appliances and phone charging. 65

Sales and Reception

• Demand quickly created long delivery queues, with customers prepared to wait months for their vehicles. 15 58
• The Mini was used by some unlicensed low-speed vehicles for passenger-for-hire services in Jiangzhou City. 35
• Jiuzhou Automobile operated twenty-one directly managed provincial stores and sold about 8,000 Minis per month by Chapter 80. 80
• The main factory retained annual capacity of about 20,000 Minis, while five contract manufacturers expanded combined annual capacity beyond 600,000 units. 92
• The System later characterized Jiuzhou as a highly favored domestic low-speed electric-vehicle brand with strong service, production technology, quality control, and product quality. 97

Derived Models

• Jiuzhou Type One — A slightly upgraded Mini-derived low-speed model with revised exterior and interior design. 94
• Jiuzhou Type Two — A Mini-based variant positioned above the standard model. 94
• Jiuzhou Type Three — A Mini-based variant with revised styling and interior. 94
• Jiuzhou Type Four — The highest-positioned of the four derivatives; its Dual Battery Pack design doubles range and brings its price close to 60,000 yuan. 94

Trivia

• The Jiuzhou Mini was originally an imitation of the Wuling Hongguang Mini; netizens jokingly called the early low-speed vehicle “chopped chili fish head.” 249
• Despite early skepticism over whether it counted as a “real” car, the Mini became the product that revived Jiuzhou Automobile and financed its later research and expansion. 7 80