Haval H5 (Hyundai Creta Rival) Launch Could be Delayed

Great Wall Motors (GVM) has been planning to enter the Indian car market for quite a while now. During the Auto Expo 2020, GVM had showcased its sub-brand Haval in India. The Chinese manufacturer had also signed a deal for acquiring General Motor’s Talegaon factory. It surely seemed like Haval is set to be introduced in 2020, but with the nationwide lockdown and market slowdown, these plans have now been postponed.

According to media reports, Haval H5 was to be one of the first products by Great Wall Motors for India, scheduled for launch in 2021. Now, however, it seems highly unlikely, as the country is currently dealing with a pandemic and the auto industry is in a major sales slump at the moment. Also, the Government of India has revised Foreign Direct Investment regulations. These FDI regulations are meant to limit Chinese takeovers and investments in India. This news spells disaster for GVM, which had hoped to establish itself in our country till the end of this year. Now, it seems like Great Wall Motors might have to wait an additional year or two to begin operations in India.

New Hyundai Creta Rival From China | Haval F5 | Auto Expo 2020

The Haval H5 is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol motor and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill in China. There is also a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired to an electric motor. There might also be an India-specific diesel engine added to the range, probably a 2.0-litre diesel unit. Upon launch, the H5 will compete against MG Hector and even the Hyundai Creta Due to the current scenario, the launch of the brand, and hence the H5, might have been delayed for now.

Other than Haval H5, plenty of other SUVs were also showcased at GVM’s stall at the 2020 Auto Expo. Haval H9 (Toyota Fortuner rival), Haval F5 (Jeep Compass rival), and Haval F7 and F7X. Other than that, GWM also showcased the Ora R1, which could be the cheapest electric vehicle in the world. The biggest highlight, however, was the ‘Concept H’ electric SUV. This vehicle sported some brilliant design details, like a large chrome-lined grille, LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED taillamps, upmarket interior, and a fully digital instrument console.