..:: AUTO REPORT AFRICA ::..
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There is no doubting the fact that Haval, the premium sub-brand of Great Wall Motors (GWM), vehicles are alive and well in South Africa despite the granting of distribution rights to Haval Motors South Africa (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Wall Motor Company Ltd, China.
Now, the brand is now fully in the hands of the Chinese parent company, and the local subsidiary branded Haval Motors South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
This once-unknown brand has really become a respected byword for durability, value, and quality, with well over 55, 000 vehicles sold through its more than 40 dealerships across the country. Now in its 10th year on the local market, premium Haval products are set to be rolled out – starting with the Haval H2 at the end of this month. The new vehicle will join other best-selling, continually updated GWM products, which includes the newly-reintroduced and popular H5 and H6 SUVs as well as the advent of refreshed Steed bakkie line-ups.
At the same time as the H2, the smaller H1 crossover will debut.
In its home market in China, Haval sold over one million units last year thus making it the best-selling SUV brand in China.
And now, the H2 is set to shake up the unquenchable South African market for sub-compact SUVs, with its mixture of excellent driving dynamics, slick styling, high safety levels, and superb quality inside and out. Powering the H2 is a punchy, proven 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor making 105kW and 202Nm of torque.
Drive is to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, and equipment levels are stellar, with everything from durable, man-made leather upholstery to a high-resolution touch-screen infotainment system. And reassuringly, this vehicle boasts a five-star C-NCAP rating.
But the biggest surprise with the H2 promises to be its price, which will be announced at the launch, and which will certainly undercut the competition in this hugely popular segment.
Both the Haval and GWM brands seem set to soar on the value-hungry local market with a standard, five-year/100 000km warranty only sweetening the appeal of GWM’s Steed 5 D/C, Steed 6 D/C, H5 and H6 products, as well as on all Haval vehicles.
What’s more, all Haval’s come standard with five years’ road assistance. Something that’s arguably unrivalled on the SA market.
As Charles Zhao, managing director of Haval Motors SA, says: “The South African market plays an important part in our international expansion strategy and going forward we will continue to distribute Haval and GWM vehicles, offer parts and service support as well as administer warranties through the already established dealer network.”
