Chinese car brand Haima – rapid growth helps FAW's financials

FAW Haima Automobile Co., Ltd. part of the FAW concern and better known as simply Haima. The production base is located in Hainan City and Haikou. The main activity of Haima is the production of cars under a contract for other manufacturers. At the same time, this manufacturer has a complete infrastructure for the development, design and production of cars at its base. The company also has strong contractual ties with dealer networks through which it sells cdjb cars.

To date, Haima produces passenger vehicles based on technology acquired from Mazda. Meanwhile, this does not prevent the proposed line from being in high demand among consumers.

(*) Pictured is a Haima SG00 crossover.

History of creation

At the time of establishment in 1988, the company was called "Hainan Motor" and was established to develop the automotive industry by the government of Hainan. The company positioned itself in the production of retro models. The name Haima came about as a collaboration between Mazda Motor in 1992. And it forms an abbreviation from the first letters of the founding companies.

In 2006, the enterprise has already become completely independent, becoming part of FAW. Today, thanks to the parent company, Haima products are sold in many countries around the world. The annual volume of car production is 200 thousand cars. It is a very famous and popular brand in China.

Although Haima has retained the right to use Mazda technology since its founding, the manufacturer has not agreed to any mention of the Japanese brand. At the same time, business contacts with a Japanese company have been maintained.

New factories

In 2008, the construction of a new production base in Hainan began, with a total capacity of 100,000 units per year. In 2009, there were reports in the media about the continuation of cooperation with Mazda in the technical field. It almost ended in a scandal as Haima completely copied a Mazda car. Subsequently, the partners settled the key moments. In the meantime, the manufacturer has built overseas production bases, including a deal with Derweiss to assemble cars for the Russian market. In 2016, the company began building a plant in Europe. It was the second Chinese company, after Great Wall Motor, with such experience.

Mazda technology continues to be in high demand in the Chinese and overseas markets. For this reason, for Ukrainian consumers, despite the prohibitions, one can openly call Haima a Chinese copy of Mazda, made at a high level thanks to the technical equipment of the FAW concern.

Hawtai Motor Group - vehicles powered by Hyundai technology

The Chinese company Hawtai Motor Group begins in 2000 with a cooperation with Hyundai Motors. In fact, similar to Haima, Hawtai produces cars that are in many ways a technical copy of Hyundai. In the past, the company produced cars of this company for China. According to some parameters, the cars of the Chinese manufacturer have been improved and improved.

Over time, Hawtai Motor Group increased its scale of development and became a full-cycle automobile corporation. The production base is used to produce their own cars. Today, the company offers compact SUVs in the Eastern European market. The line of offers is narrow, but the company uses a mono-brand promotion strategy with improved customer service.

The company's production capacity is 350 thousand units per year.

(*) Pictured is Hawtai Boliger, 2019-2020.

Private investment at the core

Unlike other Chinese automakers, Hawtai Motor Group is almost wholly owned by a private individual. The owner is businessman Zhang Xugen. Which, accordingly, implies some features of development.

Initially, Shugen agreed to produce Hyundai SUVs, which were released in 2002. But in 2003, some of the products were already sold under the owner's own brand. In 2010, the line was supplemented by sedans, which were independently developed and produced on our own base.

Scandalous Saab buyout with Spyker Cars

In 2011, Hawtai Motor Group, together with a European supercar manufacturer Spyker Cars participated in the buyout of the Swedish manufacturer Saab. The deal was not completed, and the contract was broken Koenigsegg, another candidate for the buyers of the bankrupt company. Again, Shugen was purely interested in technology Saab and Spyker Cars.

Borrowed technologies

The Chinese company Hawtai Motor Group is known for trying to obtain and master foreign technologies on loyal terms. In 2009, a sale of Chrysler Chapter assets was discussed. In the early 2000s, Hawtai Motor Group purchased the technology from Hyundai Motors, which was later used in the Santa Fe SUV and Terracan. By 2014, the Hawtai Santa Fe and Hawtai C9 SUVs were released. The engines used are invented by the Italian company VM Motori.

In 2002, a licensing agreement was concluded with Hyundai, but it ended in 2010. The latest Hawtai B35 Bolgheri SUV offered in Eastern Europe is built on the Hyundai platform. The model is complemented by a modern "all-round view".

So the Hawtai Boliger and HTM Laville SUVs available on the market are pretty good copy of modern Hyundai SUVs.

Hafei Motor: the best Chinese compact cars

Hafei Motor Co., Ltd is a Chinese manufacturer of small cars that sells its products mainly in Asia. The company is part of a holding Changan Automobile and develops a segment of inexpensive, compact cars. The enterprise has its own design, scientific and production base. The company was founded in 1994. Over 20 years of history, it has gained serious experience in the construction of subcompact vehicles. Now he is developing the direction of electric vehicles.

History - a few steps to great success

Modern Hafei Motor Co. (Harbin HF Automobile Industry Group Company Ltd.) originally appeared as a subsidiary of Harbin Aviation Corporation. Almost immediately, it was possible to launch the production of "subcompacts". In 2010, it was acquired by Changan Automobile, which made a significant contribution to its development. Now Hafei Motor Co. presented in 40 countries of the world. Production facilities are located in Weihai and Shenzhen.

Collaboration with Pininfarina

Its production activities Hafei Motor Co. began with cooperation with the Italian design bureau Pininfarina. Production developed in the public sector of the aircraft industry in China, and 550 million dollars were attracted for development. This is a lot for a start-up company to provide a strong start with market diversification. The company has achieved significant success in the subcompact segment.

However, the licensed Daewoo Tico became the first car, but a little later, a joint product of work with Pininfarina appeared. It was a Hafei Zhongyi minivan that left the shop in 1999. Already in 2003, Hafei Motor received the prestigious status of China's fastest growing company.

Restructuring and merger with Changan Automobile

In 2006, the founders carried out a restructuring, which resulted in the formation of Hafei Motor Co. with divisions of the Dongan engine plant, car assembly plants from Weihai and Shenzhen, and the Harbin HF automobile plant.

A few years later, the total production reached 2,000,000 machines. In 2012, cooperation with Coda Automotive begins to produce an electric car.

A new milestone in the development of the company was the accession to Changan Automobile. Additional investments helped optimize production and make it more efficient. At the same time, Hafei Motor Co. independently develops its direction, optimally loading the production base with the assembly of holding car models.

The legendary and stunning imagination of the Chinese Haval

If you thought that the Chinese could not collect something worthwhile, then you were completely mistaken. A prime example is the Great Wall Motor's HAVAL SUVs. This is a Chinese car brand that has made a serious claim to the world's "premium class". And, interestingly, it was appreciated not only by consumers, but also by developers. In 2019 Great Wall Motor released a joint model with the tuning studio BRABUS. The novelty looks very futuristic and is very similar to the concepts of automotive brands. It is already available for sale.

(*) Pictured is HAVAL F7

From HOVER to HAVAL

HAVAL is a sub-brand of Great Wall Motor. The company is engaged in crossovers, SUVs, SUVs, SUVs and pickups. The latter, by the way, in China form the bulk of sales. HAVAL was created for the foreign market and is a restyled HOVER SUV produced since 2003. I must say that even in this version they showed themselves perfectly, having passed the Arctic test in Svalbard.

As an independent brand, HAVAL appeared in 2013. Today, this brand occupies a leading position in the SUV segment. The model literally broke into the category of premium SUVs, pushing meters.

So, HAVAL to the studio

HAVAL is pronounced "Havel", but is most commonly referred to by its English transcription. In China, you can hear the name as "Hafu".

The name HAVAL is derived from the phrase "I Have All", which means "I have everything". Thus positioning the brand as a premium one. Compared to HOVER, these models have more expensive and comfortable equipment. SUVs are characterized by unprecedented cross-country ability in their class, combining power and expensive elegance.

The history of the car begins with a licensed copy of the Toyota 4Runner 1989, so the resemblance to Prado is probably not surprising. The manufacturer clearly hoped to convince consumers of the relevance of this particular model.

Haval H3 appeared in 2003. The same model passed the EU certification, but did not enter the market as an independent brand. Haval H6 received the prestigious title of "Chinese SUV of 2012". Until the moment the brand went independent sailing, the parent company sold more than 1 million SUVs worldwide.

Classic and sport versions

In 2015, the range of the Haval brand was divided into two areas: classic and sports. As is typical for a premium brand. They differ not only in lines. In fact, these are different sub-brands that differ in logo colors and names. Haval Red and Haval Blue, respectively. It is not surprising that "blue" SUVs in this case are associated with "blue blood". And it is absolutely justified.

Race

Like any premium brand Haval participates in the rally, this is the Dakar rally. Great Wall Motor were the only Chinese team. The Chinese took 6th place in 2012 in a modified Haval H8 off-road racing vehicle. And this is an excellent result and the beginning of a great voyage!

Geely Automobile is China's most famous automaker

When the Geely Automobile brand is mentioned, almost every foreigner perks up and thinks of the Chinese automobile company, which is part of the Geely Holding Group. This is perhaps the most famous Chinese brand, although not the largest manufacturer in China. Under this brand, cars of various classes and SUVs are produced. In addition, Geely Holding Group is engaged in the production of automotive parts, in particular, engines, transmissions, security systems and automatic transmissions.

About Geely with love

Geely sells its products on all continents of the world. The name is correctly read precisely as “jili”, and not in the English manner “jilly”. The headquarters of the managing holding is located in Hangzhou, in total the company owns 9 factories in different provinces of China. In addition to production, the manufacturer opened several educational institutions that train personnel for the company's enterprises. Research centers operate abroad. For example, in Sweden, automotive design studios have been opened in Los Angeles and Barcelona.

The company was founded quite recently, in 1984 a small factory for the production of household refrigeration equipment was opened. Due to the introduced licensing of activities, it was decided to change the scope of activity, the enterprise was engaged in the production of building materials and equipment.

In the 1990s, Geely produced the first motorcycles and other equipment through an agreement with HONDA. Over time, the company switches to its own design and by 1996 it produces more than 200 thousand light motor vehicles. In 1997, its own engine leaves the production line.

The most famous car lines are Emgrand, as well as Gleagle and Englon. Emgrand was produced from 2009 to 2014, later he changed the name to the brand of the same name after the company name. The manufacturer develops the motorcycle direction to this day, but sells products mainly in China.

In 1997, the first Haoqing SRV hatchback comes out on the Daihatsu chassis. Mass production of cars became possible only in 2001. During this period, the state lifted restrictions on the assembly of cars only at state-owned enterprises. The first experience of cooperation within the framework of the joint production of vehicles was with Daewoo and the Italian Maggiora. Shanghai Maple Automobile (SMA) was acquired for the development of the direction. A holding company was formed in 2003.

Positioning in the global market

Geely's first attempts to make itself known in the global market were unsuccessful. In 2006, the company buys nearly 20% of shares in Manganese Bronze Holdings, a British taxi car designer. Together with English specialists, developments and searches for a new concept, the basis of the future Geely brand, begin.

In 2007, Geely began to be assembled at the Ukrainian KRAZ plant. In the same period, the company concludes another partnership agreement with a Russian plant. Thanks to this, Geely cars appear in the countries of the former CIS. These were the Geely MK and Geely FC models, developed jointly with a Russian company.

The Chinese company received its first significant attention at the Detroit Auto Show after the presentation of the BMCS security system. This system monitored the pressure in the tires and activated the brakes when they fell sharply. By that time, the company had already developed its own automatic transmissions and a fairly good transmission.

In 2008, biofuel engines and the first Geely LC-E electric car were added to the company's innovation pool. And their release begins. In 2009, Geely takes over Australian transmission manufacturer Drivetrain Systems International Pty Ltd. (DSI).

In 2010, the “deal of the century” with FORD ends, as a result of which the Chinese holding receives 100% shares of Volvo Cars for $1.8 billion. At the same time, the manufacturer launches three sub-brands Emgrand, Gleagle and Englon, which were presented for the first time at an exhibition in Beijing in 2010.

In 2011 Geely Emgrand EC7 received 4 stars in EuroNCAP independent crash tests. It was the first Chinese experience. In the same year, cooperation begins with the Derways enterprise in Russia, Karachay-Cherkessia. The company's management is also seeking the production of cars in Belarus at the BelGee enterprise.

Thanks to the efforts of management, in 2012, Geely took the first position in the ranking of China's car importers. The company strengthens its position in Europe by acquiring 100% shares of London-based Manganese Bronze Holdings and renaming it London Taxi Company. Subsequently, the China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT) research center opens in Gothenburg.

Modern Geely

Having reached certain heights in the world market, the company immediately began restructuring its assets. In 2017, 51% were acquired by Lotus Cars. Geely purchased 8.2% from AB Volvo's cargo area. The company terminated contracts with some manufacturers with which partnership contracts were previously concluded.

As a result of a change in the technical and marketing strategy, the Geely Xingyue cross-coupe is being produced in 2019. The car is equipped with a turbocharged Volvo VEP4 2.0TD T5 238 hp engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that transmits 350 Nm of torque to all four wheels.

Thus, this vehicle opens a new era of technologically advanced Geely luxury vehicles of cargo capacity. It should be noted that all Geely models are an example of high-class European school design and are well received by consumers.

Changan Automobile - a modern line and unmanned vehicles

The Chinese company Changan Automobile is one of the "Big Four" automakers in China, along with Dongfeng Motor, FAW Group and SAIC Motor. The manufacturer traces its history back to the era of the origin of the automotive industry, since 1862, but initially licensed weapons became the scope of activity. The company at that time was called "Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau", which was created by Li Hongzhang, and influenced the emergence of Changan Automobile. Moreover, the first Changan car came off the assembly line relatively recently, in 1984 the first compact truck under this brand was released.

Now Changan Automobile is an advanced Chinese automobile corporation that has already produced more than 15 million cars. Today it has 8 production bases with 27 factories specializing in the production of cars and engines. Production facilities are located in different provinces of China.

Historical strategy is an important part of Changan Automobile's global success

The name of the company translates as "continuous safety" and consists of two words "Chang" and "An", so consumers can be sure of high standards of assembly and safety by choosing this brand. The letter "V" in the logo, as expected, stands for Victory - victory, as well as Value - value, emphasizing the strategic goals of the Chinese brand.

The parent company "Shanghai Foreign Gun Bureau" was nationalized in 1949 and worked for a long time as a manufacturer of the Chinese Ministry of Defense, having accumulated relevant experience in defense development. In 1957, car production began, and the American Jeep CJ5 was taken as a prototype for the new Changjiang-46 model. This machine was produced until the 1970s.

In 1984, trucks began to be produced under the Changan brand, and a little later in 1993, a joint venture was organized with Suzuki. This event was a new milestone in the development of Changan and the beginning of the era of passenger cars. To date, the company has taken a leading position in this segment in China. Models manage to compete with the developments of American and European manufacturers in many niches in world markets.

The company took over a well-known manufacturer of small cars hafei motor.

Stocktaking, joint ventures, ventures and research

In 1995, corporatization was carried out. The factories at the historic address in Chongqing were taken over by the newly formed Changan Automobile. Subsequently, the company used the successful experience of joint development with leading automotive manufacturers by creating joint ventures:

• Ford motor - 2001;`
• Mazda - 2006;
• Citroën - 2011.

The active conquest of the European market began with the opening of an R&D center in Italy in 2006. In 2009, Changan Automobile became one of China's "Big Four" automakers and has ramped up production in subsequent years, producing a record number of vehicles. In 2018, this figure corresponded to 17 million cars. This result confirms the success of the company with consumers.

At the moment (data at the end of 2019), the company is conducting research and development work on the basis of 180 laboratories in 6 countries of the world. The manufacturer has its own modern crash test laboratory and the largest testing ground in ASIA for these purposes. Vehicles are tested on 70 types of road surfaces.

Hybrids and electric vehicles

Changan Automobile also includes 35 plants for the development and assembly of modern engines. The company implements its know-how and experience in the field of military development and powerful engines, also developing other areas in addition to internal combustion engines, including the production of hybrids and electric vehicles.

In 2007, Changan Automobile became the first Chinese company to launch hybrid production.

Unmanned vehicles Changan Automobile

The first results of Changan Automobile's unmanned driving were shown in a big way in 2016, during a large-scale presentation of a test drive of the company's laboratory drones. 55 vehicles with Level 5 autonomous driving traveled 1,800 km from Chongqing to Beijing.

On the start of mass production of unmanned vehicles, representatives of Changan Automobile in March 2020. Already in July 2020, consumers will be able to purchase a model with 3 levels of autonomy. This was made possible thanks to the easing of legislation in China on such cars. Recall that the world's first self-driving sedan with a level 3 autonomy was developed by Audi engineers. The company showed the A8 back in 2017. However, it has not yet (for 2020) become available to consumers due to strict EU legislation, related, among other things, to the concern of experts about the safety of robotic vehicles.

The new autonomous 4-door Changan sedan is equipped with an on-board computer developed by the company. It processes data from 12 ultrasound radars and 6 cameras. Despite the fact that Changan Automobile can already produce robo-cars with autonomy level 5, only the third is available to consumers.

Rated by the SAE, this level of autonomy allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel. The autopilot then waits for the driver to return to active driving. This happens when the autopilot is not doing its job properly. Global automakers believe that 100% autonomous vehicles are not yet safe on the roads. They do not allow passengers to guarantee safety in most cases of traffic situations.

In cases where the driver does not return to active driving, the drone goes into safe mode. The movement is carried out as safely as possible, and the car stops.

Automotive companies are in no hurry to enter this market. It is this pause that Changan Automobile uses. This is very convenient for diversifying a new consumer segment. Perhaps, Changan Automobile in the near future will become synonymous not only with a high level of automotive safety. This is the clear leader in autonomous driving.

Changan self-driving cars have already covered more than 50 million km on the roads of China. The company has received U.S. approval to test drones on public roads in California.

Changan Automobile in Ukraine

Changan Automobile presented itself quite widely in Ukraine. The manufacturer has entered into agreements with car dealerships and car services. On the territory of the Russian Federation, the Changan CS55 crossover is assembled and sold at an affordable price. Among consumers from the CIS, including Ukrainians, the Social SUV-CS35PLUS is popular.

In 2019, the company's sales in the Russian-speaking region increased by almost 50%. If we compare the end of the year 2018 and 2019, the popularity of the brand has grown by almost 1500%.

The main multilingual website of the company: http://globalchangan.com/.