Sept. 1986
Chongqing BaxianFenghuang Domestic Appliance Spring Plant was established, whichis the predecessor of SOKON Group.
Chongqing Baxian Fenghuang Domestic Appliance Spring Plant, established by Zhang Xinghai and other shareholders, and primarily engaged in producing and selling domestic appliance springs and mini-vehicle seat’ springs, provided seat springs for the major automotive manufacturing enterprises, and it is the predecessor of SOKON.
1987
It produced square-threaded spring clips, filling a market gap in China.
The Plant produced China’s first batches of square-threaded spring clips. Its process was controlled by Japanese, from which Japanese enterprises gained profits. The Plant occupied the domestic market share over 90% with its in-house square-threaded spring clips.
Sept. 1996
The establishment of Chongqing Yu’an Shock Absorber Company
Chongqing Yu’an Shock Absorber Co., Ltd. was established for producing absorbers for motorbikes and automobiles. It produced the absorbers for racing motorbikes, and filled the industrial void in China with its innovations and inventions.
At that time, its capacity began to take shape at the annual output of 1.5 million units. Since 2003, its motorbike absorbers led the industry, and ranked No. 1 in the industry for 14 successive years.
2001
Chongqing Yu’an Absorber Co., Ltd. launched the inflatable absorbers, and air-bag absorbers in the next year, and the invert front absorbers in the third year, filling the industrial gap in China.
July 2002
The establishment of XGJAO Motorcycle Company
XGJAO Motorbike Co., Ltd. was established for producing and selling its in-house motorbikes. It entered the motorbike industry, realized the mass production and dominated the industry rapidly in that year. Based on the development path of using the racing motorbikes for civil use, it launched the first racing motorbike F4, and followed by F5, F6, F7 and others. Therefore, it led the industry in using the racing motorbikes for civil use, provided the racing motorbikes for common users, and paved the way for entering road car industry.
July 2003
The establishment of DongfengSokon (DFSK) in partnership with Dongfeng Motors, in an equity structure of 50-50
Sokon partnered with Dongfeng Motors to establish Dongfeng Sokon Motors(DFSK), with a format of 50-50 shareholdings. That far, it entered the higher manufacturing industry – finished automobile industry. It successively launched Series K, Series V and Series C mini vehicles. Thanks to its correct product positioning and quality control, it received increasing higher recognition, and became one of the top three enterprises in domestic mini-van market.
2003
The establishment of Chongqing Ruichi Automobile Company
Chongqing Ruichi Automobile Industry Co., Ltd. was established, indicating that the Company started to produce new-energy automobiles. It was specially engaged in R&D, manufacturing, sales, service and others of commercial BEV. It is one of the first enterprises with national BEV manufacturing qualification. It covered cargo trucks, urban multiple-purpose vehicles, and other special commercial vehicles for police, rescue and postal services which have been sold to over 30 countries and regions. It endeavored to lead the mini electric commercial vehicles.
May 2004
The establishment of Chongqing Sokon Power-train Company
Chongqing Sokon Powertrain Co., Ltd., was established and engaged in R&D, manufacturing, sales, services and others of such energy-saving and environment-friendly performance engines with 1.0 – 1.8L and 1.5T GDI turbo charger, and focused on providing the systematic solutions for power assembly. Its main products included Series AF, BG, DK and SFD Engines covering over 100 kinds. It had the industrial-leading foundry production line and the process line of such spare parts as crankcases and transmissions. It further promoted the ERP system, developed MES for production management, and possessed with the modern monitoring devices to secure the product quality.
May 22, 2005
The first car was launched in Wuhan.
May 2007
The establishment of Chongqing Sokon Automobile Co., Ltd
Chongqing Sokon Automobile Group Co., Ltd. was established, and renamed as Chongqing Sokon Industry Group Co., Ltd. in April 2011.
2009
Dongfeng Sokon ranked as one of the top three enterprises in China’s mini-vehicle industry.
2010
Dongfeng Sokon finished the 500,000th automobile.
May 13, 2012
DSFK recorded a milestone of “million units club” of auto industry.
The silver Dongfeng Sokon V29 gradually entered the scene at Shuangfu, Jiangjin, with the witness of leaders and guests. V29 is the No. 1 million automobile produced by Dongfeng Sokon after 6 years in the automobile industry, indicating that Dongfeng Sokon was officially a member of “Million Club”. In overseas market, Dongfeng Sokon sold products to over 60 countries and regions, ranking No. 1 of the mini-van market in successive years.
2013
The launch of Glory 330—the very first compact MPV of DFSK
Dongfeng Sokon launched its first compact MVP Glory 330 in Shanghai. With the advent of Glory 330, its Glory Brand was officially operated. Glory 360 came into the market in 2014, and Glory 370 in 2015. Therefore, Sokon was transformed from a mini-vehicle producer to a passenger car producer.
2015
It sold about 4,000 Ruichi electric vans, ranking No.1 in domestic industry.
June 15, 2016
IPO of SOKON at Shanghai Stock Exchange
Sokon Group, named as “the first Chongqing IPO in 2016” was listed at Shanghai Stock Exchange on June 15, 2016.
June 21, 2016
The launch of Glory 580—the first urban super SUV
The super urban SUV Glory 580 was officially launched in Boao, Hainan, getting popular upon entering into the market and realizing the monthly performance over 10,000 vehicles in the next month.
Aug. 31, 2016
The 30th Anniversary of Sokon Group
Sokon Group 30th Anniversary was held, and its public-welfare project – International New-energy Intelligent Automobile (Chongqing) Experience Center was opened to the public in Chongqing.
Oct. 12, 2016
The launch of the first AT vehicle
At the 17th Wuhan International Automobile Expo, the first AT car – Glory 580 was officially launched.
Nov. 15, 2016
The establishment of “University of Michigan—SokonConnected and Autonomous Driving Research Center”
Zhang Xinghai, Chairman of Sokon and Jack Hu, Vice President of University of Michigan signed a strategic agreement on establishing “University of Michigan – Sokon Connected & Automatic Driving Research Center”. The Center will develop and implement the advanced technologies about automatic driving, and provide professional training for engineering technicians to meet its strategic demands.
Dec. 1, 2016
The first turbo-charge engine independently developed by Sokon was awarded “Top Ten Engines in 2016” of China.
The 11th “Best Engines of China” 2016 Annual Top Ten Engines Award Ceremony was held in Shanghai. According to the testing and review by the panel, the first brand-new turbo charged gasoline engine of 1.5T was praised by the panel, and awarded as one of the “Best Engines of China” 2016 Annual Top Ten Engines.
Dec. 28, 2016
China Automotive Technology & Research Center declared that Dongfeng Sokon’s first SUV Glory 580 was given the five-star safety certification, the highest certification given by C-NCAP. As a new comer in the SUV segment, such certification of Glory 580 professionally proofed its high safety.
Jan. 2017
Jinkang New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd was granted the permit for new energy passenger vehicles.
Jinkang New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. was the eighth enterprise to get the new energy passenger vehicle production permit in China, and was the first enterprise to get such a qualification in central and western China.
Mar. 6, 2017
SF Motors established its North America Headquarter in the Silicon Valley, America.
June 22, 2017
The acquisition of the civil vehicle plant of AM General
SF Motors, the business entity of Jinkang New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. proposed to acquire the civil part of AM General, a top-level automotive solutions integrated supplier in America, including AMG-related land, plant, equipment, supporting facilities and others.
June 26, 2017
Sokon intelligent Vehicle Headquarter at Longxing Industrial Park, Liangjiang New Area was officially put into use.
Aug. 17, 2017
The official launch of the Michigan office building of SF Motors
SF Motors’ Michigan branch office building at Ann Arbor, Detroit, Michigan, America was officially put into use as the base for finished vehicle R&D, engineering and pilot manufacturing.
Sept. 24, 2017
The launch of the intelligent and connected edition of Glory 580
The first vehicle meeting “super-intelligence strategy” – Dongfeng Glory 580 Intelligent and Connected Edition entered the market, indicating the start of “super-intelligence strategy”. 7 new types of Dongfeng Glory will be launched in 3 years.
Oct. 18, 2017
The acquisition of 100% shares of InEVit. Founder of Tesla joins SF Motors as a full member.
SF MOTORS, a fully-owned subsidiary of SOKON Group, acquired 100% shareholding of InEVit. Martin Eberhard, founder of InEVit (also the founder and the 1st CEO of Tesla) will be a full-time member of SF MOTORS.
Nov. 3, 2017
The Acquisition of AM General by Sokon Group
According to the public announcement of Sokon Group, its SF MOTORS officially finished the closing and delivery of the civil plant of AM General, a top-level automotive solutions integrated supplier, and will start the brand-new transformation and upgrading for mass production of high-end electrical vehicles.
Nov. 13, 2017
Launch of Glory S560 in Shenzhen
The second SUV Glory S560 was launched in Shenzhen. It aimed for the young users, and it is the second vehicle launched based on the “super-intelligence strategy”.
Nov. 24, 2017
Mr. Zhang Xinghai, Chairman of SOKON Group, is elected as a Vice President of All-China Chamber of Industry and Commerce (ACCIC)
The 12th National Congress of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) was held on Nov. 24, 2017 in Beijing. Mr. Li Keqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, Premier of the State Council met with all the congress participants and delivered the speech of congratulations.
The Congress elected the 12th Executive Committee of ACFIC made up of 487 members. On the 1st executive meeting on 27th, new leadership and organizations of ACFIC were elected. Mr. Zhang Xinghai, Chairman of SOKON Group was elected a vice president of All-China Chamber of Industry and Commerce (ACCIC).
Nov. 28, 2017
The Opening of PT.Sokonindo Automobile in Indonesia
PT.Sokonindo Automobile held the opening ceremony in Serang, Indonesia, indicating that Sokon laid foundation in Indonesia, and its products will be sold to the Southeast Asia.
Jan. 23, 2018
Sokon launched the high-performance powertrain system project for new energy vehicles
The high-performance powertrain system project for new energy vehicles, which involved an investment of RMB 3.1 billion, was launched in the Science and Technology Industrial Park in University Town, Chongqing. The project is committed to the development, design and manufacturing of electric powertrain systems (cell, electric drive and electronic control). Upon completion, the project would start local R&D, design and manufacturing of electric powertrain systems for smart EVs. With its advanced technologies, Sokon would provide the upcoming NEVs with high-performance energy density batteries and electric power-train systems.
Jan. 25, 2018
Sokon Powertrain Company started to use a new intelligent production line
On January 25, two trial SFG15T engines were successfully manufactured through the latest and smartest production line in the Powertrain Company, a subsidiary of Sokon Group. This meant that the advanced production line, with an automation rate of 50%, was able to withstand the test of trial production.
Recognized as the 5th assembly line, this intelligent assembly line consists of the following components: feeding line, material collection line, cylinder head line, internal assembly line and external assembly line. It is undoubtedly the most intelligent, digitalized, informationalized, flexible and automated production line in the company at present.
Mar. 19, 2018
The sales volume of Glory 580 exceeded 300,000 in 20 months
According to DFSK, a subsidiary of Sokon, the sales volume of its popular product Glory 580 had exceeded 300,000 as of March 19. It was Sokon Group’s first urban SUV launched in 2016 and the sales volume had surpassed 300,000 within a short period of 20 months. Meanwhile, Glory S560 had scored remarkable achievements since its launch, exceeding 30,000 units within the first 100 days.
Mar. 29, 2018
SF MOTORS held a global press conference in Silicon Valley
By gathering global talents in Silicon Valley and focusing on the research and development of intelligent new energy technologies, Sokon had made a stable step towards intelligent e-vehicles. SF MOTORS (hereinafter referred to as SF), a subsidiary of Sokon, held a global press conference in its Silicon Valley headquarter on March 29, Beijing time. SF unveiled several advanced technologies (including electric drive techniques) and an intelligent EV-SUV. Reservations for its first model, SF5, could be taken in the U.S. this year. Meanwhile, SF has proposed a new business model: accelerate the rapid development of EV industry by opening and sharing strategy.
The debut of SF Motors demonstrated the substantial progress made by Sokon Group after a three-year investment. In addition, it showcased Sokon Group’s ability to harness global technologies to create advanced intelligent electric vehicles, thus realizing reform and achieving rapid development.
Apr. 2, 2018
Sokon and Baidu reached a strategic agreement on the intelligent mobility project
Sokon Industry Group Co., Ltd had signed a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement with Baidu. Aimed at building an intelligent automobile brand and realizing reform and development, this cooperation would be focused on five aspects, including self-drive, automobile Internet, cloud service etc. Sokon and Baidu would strengthen the development of the intelligent industry and provide intelligent mobility for customers. The agreement marked the beginning of a strategic cooperation between the two parties.
Apr. 11, 2018
Glory iX5—the first intelligent coupe SUV of DFSK Glory debuted
The first intelligent coupe SUV of DFSK Glory—Glory iX5 had made its debut in the Beijing Phoenix International Media Center.
Glory iX5 is the first automobile jointly created by DFSK Glory and Baidu, as well as the first cooperation after Sokon Group had signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Baidu on April 2nd. Not only does the Glory iX5 come with intelligent drive, intelligent network and other technologies, it is also stylish and comes equipped with a 1.5T GDI engine. The model is due to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2018 and will initiate an intelligent era of DFSK Glory products 3.0.
Apr. 19, 2018
The President of Indonesia graced the Indonesian debut of right-hand-drive Glory 580
The right-hand-drive Glory 580 was unveiled by Sokonindo at the “DFSK New Auto Debut & Pre-sale Conference” of “2018 Indonesia International Auto Exhibition” held in Jakarta.
Prior to the ceremony, Joko Widodo , the President of Indonesia, paid a visit to the Sokonindo booth, accompanied by the Minister of Industry. He tested the Glory 580 and was full of praise for the model.
May 31, 2018
SF Motors pledged investment in its Indiana electric vehicle assembly plant and local workforce
SF Motors, a subsidiary of Sokon Group, held a press conference in Indiana on May 31st. At the press conference, SF Motors announced its $160-million investment in the Mishawaka, Indiana facility that had been acquired in November 2017. SF Motors has chosen this manufacturing facility due to its access to a mature supplier network and the highly skilled automotive talent pool, with up to 467 jobs expected to be created by 2020.
More than 150 people attended the press conference, including Chinese Consul-General in Chicago Hong Lei, Governor of Indiana Eric Holcomb, Director of Commerce Department of Indiana James Schellinger, COO of Sokon Intelligent Auto, founder and CEO of SF Motors John Zhang, as well as some local politicians, businessmen and factory staff.
June 11, 2018
DFSK Glory became a sponsor of La Liga
DFSK Glory and La Liga held a signing ceremony in La Liga headquarter in Madrid, Spain, making DFSK Glory the official Chinese sponsor of the 2018-2019 season.
In the future, DFSK Glory and La Liga shall cooperate in other aspects, such as brand promotion, marketing and so on. This marks a significant move by DFSK Glory to promote the brand through sports marketing. The cooperation between DFSK Glory and the top European football league has made history in the Chinese automobile market.
