Dongfeng and Hafei to become one?
Hafei Automobiles actually make some of the nicest cars we’ve seen from a Chinese manufacturer, the cars are understyled, yet modern, somehow these cars just look good. The above Saibao 4, is just one example of their saloon range, Hafei also make mini MPVs (mian bao che) and two mini cars, the Lubao, and the Saima.
Yesterday China Car Times learned that Dongfeng motors, Chinas 3rd largest automotive manufacturer, had made public overtures to Hafei’s parent company, AviChina Industry & Technology Company with regards to forming an automotive joint venture. Avichina is said to be the one financing the joint venture by circulating shares of a sub company, Dongan motors, as well using its assets in Hafei automobiles.
Previously we had heard that Dongfeng was planning to offer upto 2 billion RMB to buy 50% of Hafei automobiles. If the deal goes through and obtains approval of the Chinese government, it would pave the way to further consolidation of Chinas massive automotive industry.
China Car Times cannot guess what Dongfeng want from Hafei automotive, could it be a design team? Could it be car building technology, could it be engine tech from Dongan? Possibly all of the above? Despite Dongfeng having joint ventures with some of the biggest car makers in the world, Dongfeng have yet to release their own brand of vehicles as their largest competitors FAW, and SAIC, have already done. Dongfeng did release the Joyear, but sales have been said to be less than a 1000 units to date.
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I agree that the Hafei products have always looked well designed and made. But lately the company has appeared stagnant. So this tie up with one of the big 3 might just be what it needs to get back in the competition.
I always thought the Lobo was pretty well put together when compared to the other 3 big small cars, i.e. QQ, Mei Ri etc it even sells in Europe as a budget car.
They havent put out anything new or exciting for a while though!
Not a bad looking car. A little Japanese aroundthe edges but a nice fresh looking Japanese car. Makes a refreshing change!!
Although old partner Mitsubishi is reflected in some of the Hafei models this Saibao was a Pinifarina design. Nonetheless all patents and technology for this car are the intellectual property of Hafei.
anyone know where the Saima came from? is that of mitsubishi stock?
Yes, the Saima is a Mitsubishi Dingo-based model. It was also known as the S-Sigma, and in Russia, the Simbo.
OLá,
Escrevo do Brazil – São Paulo – Alphaville
Sou empresário na área de Paisagismo. Gostaria de saber da possibilidade de testar por algum tempo um carro cargo de vocês.
Vi um protótipo andando aqui em Alphaville, onde trabalho.
Presto serviços para grandes construtoras como: Gafisa, Takaoka, Wal-mart Brasil, entre outras.
Aguardo contato.
Obrigado.
Olá congratulations.
nice, wha it b prie?