Haval launch resuscitated

If first you don't succeed... Originally scheduled to launch in Australia in late 2014 then re-adjusted to June 2015, Chinese SUV brand Haval has now stated its intention to offer Australians "luxury" SUVs from the fourth quarter of this year.

With a wholly-owned Australia distribution and sales operation based in the Melbourne suburb of Mt Waverley, it says it's on track to deploy at least two models in 2015.

"I'm happy to announce today that we will be launching in Q4," said Tim Smith, Haval Motors Australia's chief marketing officer said in a media statement.

"We have signed up four dealers already and we are on track to have 10 dealers as part of the Haval family by the end of the year," Smith said.

Industry sources suggest the lengthy negotiations required to secure dealers have been largely responsible for the delayed retail launch. However, the parlous state of sales of Chinese cars Down Under surely have not helped.

Local sales of Chinese-made cars have stalled in recent times. Registrations this year are on track for a total of barely half 2014's 4000 vehicles. The mid-year 2015 tally sits at around 1100 sales. At their peak in 2012, Chinese car imports passed 12,000 sales, but after inadequate crash test results by ANCAP, consumer's interest waned.

GWM was also forced to recall over 21,000 vehicles in 2012 after it was found they used parts which contained asbestos.

Haval is owned by Great Wall Motor (GWM). GWM's CEO, Wang Fengying, has previously stated that Haval's goal is to become the number one-selling SUV brand in Australia -- as it is in China.

Australia will be one the first export markets for the SUV-only brand and Haval says it will target luxury buyers.

In terms of models, first off the rank will be the H2, a Volkswagen Tiguan-sized small SUV priced in the low-$20K region. This is expected to be joined by the H9, a Toyota Prado-sized seven-seat SUV which the company has indicated will start at around $45,000.

Other Haval SUVs expected to arrive later in 2015 or early 2016 include the Jeep Grand Cherokee-rivalling H8 (pictured) – a five-seater vehicle starting at around $40K.

A 2016 launch is also more likely for the H6 and H6 Coupe SUVs – midsizers that will duke it out with the likes of the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.