Great Wall Motors owned Haval SUV brand is emerging as one of the fastest growing automotive brands of China.
Haval has been posting impressive growth rates in the last few years which earned it autonomy from its parent company. The Haval SUVs will be now distributed through its dedicated network. Even a dedicated R&D centre is being established to take the brand truly global. Haval has ambitions to sell 700,000 vehicles in 2013, which is more than what iconic SUV maker Jeep has planned.
Two new SUV models namely the Haval H2 and H8 were unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2013. While the H8 is a full sized SUV, the H2 is a Ford Ecosport rival. This SUV has been spied testing in China.
The H2 is a neatly proportioned SUV which adopts a simple and conservative design approach both outside and inside. The SUV reportedly measures 4,330mm in length, 1,815mm in width, 1,700mm in height, and 2,560mm in wheelbase, making it bigger than the EcoSport.
A 1.5 litre petrol engine which puts out 105 bhp is confirmed. Power is sent to the wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Both 2WD and 4WD options would be available.
Haval has an ambitious global expansion plan and the H2 is an important part of it as it stretches the brand's presence to an even smaller segment. It is to be noted that Haval has been testing its SUVs in India which hints at its possible entry in the future.
[Source: Auto.ifeng.com]
