Auto Expo 2020: Haima showcases 8S SUV and 7X MPV

• 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 the 8S SUV

• No details on launches or pricing, as the brand is still analysing its approach strategy for the Indian market

Chinese manufacturer Haima Automobile made its Indian debut at Auto Expo 2020, showcasing the 7X MPV and 8S SUV. Established in 1988, the brand co-operated with Mazda from 1992 to 2006 after which it started its international growth in earnest. Haima is currently present in more than 20 countries in Eastern Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia, where its F7 MPV broke the monopoly of Japanese and South Korean automobile brands and won the best MPV award.

Along with the 7X and 8S, Haima also showcased the E1 EV. Haima plans to use its EV products for the Indian market, integrating its battery, motor and electric control system in response to the government’s incentive towards the EV industry.

The Haima 8S, touted as a ‘High-power intelligent SUV’, uses a 1.6 TGDI engine allowing for a claimed 0-100kmph time of 7.8 seconds. As aforementioned, this engine is used in the ZX MPV as well. Moving on to the E1 EV, it is equipped with a 20.42kWh high-energy ternary lithium battery capable of 95Nm, capable of a claimed range of 301km, which Haima says leads to a running cost of merely Rs 60 per 100km.

At present, Haima Automobile and North India-based Bird Electric have reached an initial co-operation intention in the field of new energy vehicles. Both sides are making detailed work plans for plant construction, sales and after-sales service system establishment and localisation promotion. At the same time, Haima is seeking co-operation opportunities in the field of traditional fuel vehicles.

Speaking about the co-operation opportunities and the brand’s future strategies, William Dong, GM, Haima Automobile, said, “Innovation is a key pillar of HAIMA’s business strategy in India. This is reflected by a clear product strategy to enter the Indian market with its new avant-garde brand image with product offerings that showcase cutting edge technology. I am confident that HAIMA will continue its innovation journey in India, developing products that shape the future of India’s automobile transformation.”