Chinese automobile manufacturers strengthen their India foray

Following MG Motor India's spectacular success, other Chinese passenger vehicle manufacturers are making a beeline for India

Feb 07, 2020 TEAM TOS No Comments Like

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GREATER NOIDA :

Following the successful entry of MG Motor India, other Chinese passenger vehicle manufacturers such as Great Wall Motors and Haima Automobile are planning their foray into the Indian market. While Great Wall Motors has already announced approximately USD 1 billion worth of investment in India, Haima Automobile, another leading manufacturer from China is keenly studying the potential of the Indian market. With their presence at the AutoExpo 2020, it is evident that these companies are progressively looking at India as one of the strategic markets, to expand their operations globally.  

Great Wall Motors, China’s leading SUV manufacturer, globally premiered its Haval Concept H at the AutoExpo 2020. Among other models, Great Wall Motors also displayed Haval: H9, F7, F7x, F5 and the GWM EV: iQ & R1 at the AuroExpo. Reiterating its focus on the Indian market, the company said that it plans to invest approximately USD 1 billion in the country in a phased manner, which will include establishing of manufacturing plant, vehicle research and development, production of power batteries and electric drives, vehicle and component manufacturing. While doing so, it plans to provide estimated 3,000 direct employment in a phased manner. As part of this plan, in January 2020, Great Wall Motors and General Motors signed an agreement to acquire the General Motors India’s Talegaon factory in Maharashtra, laying the foundation of the former’s entry in India. According to the company, the said acquisition will be completed in the second half of 2020. Hardeep Singh Brar, Director (Sales & Marketing) of Great Wall Motors said, “India has become one of the world's fastest growing major economy, and the auto market is promising, making it a preferred investment destination for most auto companies.” 

In addition to the launch of its passenger vehicles, Great Wall Motors plans to launch a new energy brand - Great Wall EV. The company claims to invest in battery research and development and manufacturing in India.

Haima Automobile, a leading Chinese auto maker, showcased two passenger vehicles, namely, 7X and 8S, at the Auto Expo 2020. While Haima 8S is a 5-seater SUV supported by a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine, Haima 7X is a 7-seater MPV featuring the same engine-gearbox combination as that of the 8S SUV. Additionally, the company also showcased E1, an electric vehicle, equipped with high-energy ternary lithium battery and high-efficiency battery, motor, and electronic control system. In order to further boost its presence in the new energy sector, Haima Automobile has partnered with an Indian company Bird Electric. Haima New Energy, a subsidiary of Haima Automobile has reportedly entered into a technical collaboration with Bird Electric and the two companies are jointly planning construction of a plant, sales and after-sales service system establishment and localization promotion in India.

According to the company, Haima Automobile is currently studying the Indian market, and hence did not disclose any timeline and price points of the products to be launched in India. Following the completion of this study, the company is expected to further formalize its plans for India. While providing its views on the importance of the Indian market, the company in its press statement stated that, it is one of the most promising and long-term strategic markets of Haima. Haima firmly believes that Chinese automobile brands like itself can fully meet the needs of the development of Indian automobile industry. At this stage, Haima is stepping up its investigation and research on the Indian market.”

Buoyed by the performance of Hector SUV, MG Motor India showcased a significant line-up of global products – including Hector Plus, the 6 and 7 seater at the AutoExpo 2020. The product is expected to be launched this year. The new Hector Plus claims to offer premium design and “customizable” seating (2+2+2/2+3+2) configuration, along with revamped interiors and exteriors. It further features all-new headlamps, front grille, front/rear bumpers, rear taillight design, and revised skid front/rear plates. 

Along with Hector Plus, the company unveiled Gloster, a luxury SUV and G10 MPV, which will be launched in India soon. Gloster, a name derived from a British jet-engine aircraft prototype, claims to offer best-in-class features, powerful capability, and luxurious interiors. On the other hand, G10 is sold globally in markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Middle-East, South American countries including Chile, Peru and ASEAN such as Malaysia. The vehicle offers various seating configurations, panoramic sunroof, touch-free smart sensing rear door and smart automatic sliding doors. Without providing any details of the timeline of the launch, the company said that Gloster will be launched later this year, followed by G10. 

Speaking about the Auto Expo participation, Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director – MG Motor India, said, “With the showcase of Hector Plus, we are further strengthening the Hector brand in India and underlining how we are constantly working towards enhancing customer delight with more innovative and value-added offerings.” Since its launch in December, the company has sold 15,930 units of the Hector SUV, MG Motor India’s first model in India. At Auto Expo 2020, the carmaker showcased a total of 14 internet, electric and autonomous cars across hatchback, sedans and utility vehicle segments. 


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