Autoweek reports that Changan Automobile Group, Ford Motor Co.'s Chinese production partner, will launch a small economy car in September that it wants eventually to export to the United States.

Changan would join a small stampede of Chinese automakers with ambitions to sell cars in the United States. They face huge obstacles, such as meeting strict safety and emissions requirements, establishing dealer networks in the United States and developing competitive products.

Changan is a substantial automaker in China, with global sales last year of 450,572. It specializes in commercial vehicles, mainly small vans.The vehicle it will launch in September will be its first car.

Story: Autoweek