Published by Ash June 17th, 2008
in Huatai.
SAIC previously did a deal with Huatai to provide engines to their latest self branded SUV, a previous generation Sante-Fe. The engine, the 1.8 turbo assisted model, was developed by Rover before being bought out by SAIC who then improved the engine to meet 2008 emission specifications.
The turbo is from Honeywell, an electricly assisted model that helps the engine push out 118kw at 5500rpm, from 2000rpm to 4000rpm, the engine can push out 214nm.
Quite possibly the best thing about the Huatai Sante-fe, is the price - a mere 130,000rmb.
Huatai have acquired the rights to make the Hyundai Sante Fe in China from their joint venture partner Hyundai. Huatai have been making the Sante Fe, and the Terracan SUV in China for several years now, and have received permission from Hyundai to rebadge the Terracan, and the Sante Fe as their own vehicles. The trouble is, Huatai didnt get an engine with the deal, and dont have any engines of their own. The solution was simple, go shopping for one! Huatai approached SAIC with regards to dropping the 1.8 Turbo assisted KV6 K-series engine from MG-Rover into the SUV, which will now be known as the Huatai Sante Fe.
We’re not entirely sure if Huatai and Hyundai have any plans to make the latest generation of Sante Fe in China, currently the 2nd generation Sante Fe is imported into China.
The 1.8T Huatai Sante Fe is expected to go on sale for around 150,000rmb later this year.
Published by Charlie April 16th, 2008
in Huatai.
China’s HuaTai Group has purchased billboard space inside the Beijing Airport advertising their new line of SUVs in preparation for the upcoming Beijing Auto Show next week. So the first thing that visitors to Beijing will be seeing is the clean, crisp, smooth lines of these slick vehicles.
The second thing visitors will look for is the HuaTai logo. When I saw it, I took a double take. HuaTai has ‘been inspired’ by Microsoft’s logo and BMW’s logo, combine the two together and produce a new logo which to my western eye’s looks to be an absolute knock-off of two of the most famous trademarks in existence.
Latest Comments