It’s going to be a busy year for Haval Malaysia and distributor Go Auto, as the company aims to grow its business both locally and in other markets in South East Asia – a plan outlined by CEO Ahmad Azam Suleiman during the launch of the H1 yesterday. Leading the onslaught are new products that will be making their way to the Malaysian market in the third quarter this year.
First up is the H6, a mid-sized SUV that slots above the H2, originally slated to arrive in June 2014. There are actually two versions that are on sale in various markets, the standard variant and the sportier H6 Coupe – the latter is the one sold in Australia, badged simply as the H6. Go Auto showed a video of the H6 Coupe during the event, which makes that one a more likely proposition.
Both models are powered by either the H2’s 147 hp/210 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 194 hp/315 Nm 2.0 litre turbo petrol or a 161 hp/350 Nm 2.0 litre turbodiesel, matched to either a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic (1.5T) or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (2.0T petrol). Front- and all-wheel drive variants are available.
Also set for our shores is the H9, a full-size model offered in either five- or seven-seat configuration. This one gets an uprated version of the H6’s 2.0 litre turbo petrol that punches out 215 hp at 5,500 rpm and 324 Nm from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Meanwhile, Go Auto will introduce a locally-assembled (CKD) H2 in May, a year after the fully-imported (CBU) version. That’s quite a delay from the September 2016 date previously mooted, but it will likely bring prices some way down the current RM89,950 (Standard), RM98,950 (Comfort) and RM101,950 (Premium) retail prices (on-the-road with insurance). Exports to other ASEAN markets are also being planned.
On the sales side, a Buy Back Guarantee has been introduced on all models from January 1 – the company will offer buyers 50% of the car’s retail price after five years, which will go towards the purchase of a new Haval. Go Auto will also increase its network of 2S and 3S centres from 24 to 36 this year, and plans to raise production capacity from the current 25,000 vehicles a year in 2018.
These measures will all help the company as it aims for a rather lofty 9,000 sales target for this year, although that figure also includes exports to other markets – Ahmad Azam claims that it has exported around 1,500 vehicles since 2015. That’s a far cry from the 986 units it sold in 2016, of which only 33 were of the new H2; Go Auto hopes to sell over 200 units of the H2 in the first quarter alone. The aforementioned CKD models are also likely to improve sales for the rest of the year.
In terms of other markets, Go Auto currently has one Cambodian dealership in Phnom Penh; the company is looking to increase that number to three this year. Brunei, Thailand and Indonesia also have only one centre each, and Ahmad Azam says the company is looking at strengthening its business in major cities first before it expands its interests in those markets. Plans are also afoot to set up shop in Myanmar and the Philippines, which he says Go Auto will formally announce in due time.
GALLERY: Haval H6 Coupe
GALLERY: Haval H9
GALLERY: Haval H2
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The fact that Go Auto is willing to offer buyers 50% of the car’s retail price after 5 years is a testament to its confidence of their products.
Since KIA & Haval have made such guarantee, it’s time P1 & P2 stepped up & make a better offer. Common P1/P2, U can do better than a small company like Go Auto.
Yeah, as if we dunno the catch of how to get that 50%. Were not that fish!
Specs are good. Designs are still lacking, they should pour money and get someone like Alfonso Abaisa (infiniti head designer), then they will become the “huawei” or “xiaomi” of automotive industry.
Haval’s line up is amateurish compared to Protons. Exora bold has virtually zero NVH, zero turbo lag and has Lotus ride and handling. Syabas Proton and gov! – Faiz Roslan CEng
Does it drive like Audi too?
Thank you Jonathan & crew for publishing all this info, very detailed and in-depth !
As I suspected, the H2 is still CBU and not CKD, and GoAuto sales were miserable last year… and you know what ? That’s totally fine. What really matters now is that GoAuto should keep trying and not give up so easily.
Start with small goals, don’t make grand, unrealistic plans. Accept constructive criticism and feedback from your customers…. treat them well and they will recommend Haval to their friends and family. Aftersales support is just as important as quality & reliability. Learn from others mistakes… Oriental Assemblers/ Chery Malaysia is a fine example of how NOT run a new company.
I still believe GoAuto and GWM/ Haval have a lot of potential in Malaysia… just like any fruit seed. But having the seed alone will not help… you must plant it, water it, take care of the soil, protect the seed from bugs… yes, it’s hard work, but after many years, that small seed will grow into a big tree, and you can finally harvest the fruits of your labour.
Good luck GoAuto.
2016 China SUV total sales = 9,152,900 units
Haval SUV China total sales data 2016:
Haval H6 – 580,683 units
Haval H2 – 196,926 units
Haval H1 – 69,232 units
Haval H7 – 48,903 units
Haval H5 – 23,300 units
These SUVs look AWESOME !!!
keywords: China car
Keywords of real AROWANA. Whack/bite anything that moves.
Forgive me for saying this, but that interior looks way better than anything Proton has ever produced…
Wow it is wayyyyyy better than anything Bentley has ever produced…
Just rename to A18, B18, C18, D18, etc… sure can sell a lot. B18 will be best seller.
7 seater H9 is a good option for those eyeing for Land Cruiser. Since all the Land Cruiser here are recond u might consider this. The only letdown is the little 2.0 petrol unit..should been 3.5 and above for full size suv.
I have the Haval M4 for more than 2 yrs now. Reliable little SUV. Will seriously consider the H6 when it comes in. Servicing by Go Auto & some dealers are now good as owners have direct access to them in case of emergencies or accidents even after office hours. As with newly startups, there are bound to be hickups in the begining but things are moving in the right direction now. Not a problem getting spare parts or after market parts as there are 3rd party retailers supporting the brand.
Haval H9 Looks like the Toyota Prado…
OK, I see their strategy. [1] Bring into Malaysia all the parts [2] Assemble the car in Malaysia (ASEAN) [3] ‘Export’ it other ASEAN countries thus achieving economies of scale to assemble in Malaysia/ASEAN and not attracting high import duties.
the h6 front looks like ford model
Well that is interesting. Let’s see if Go Auto is sincere
When Malaysia will launch the H6 ?