Great Wall aims to sell 5,000 Haval H8 SUVs monthly
Great Wall Motor Co., China's biggest SUV maker, expects sales of its Haval H8 flagship SUV to total 5,000 a month, Chairman Wei Jianjun says.
Sales of SUVs will account for more than 90 percent of Great Wall's total deliveries in three years, Wei told reporters on Monday in Hong Kong.
Last year, SUVs made up 71 percent of its total auto sales, according to the company's annual report.
After twice halting sales of its most expensive SUV to fix quality problems, the company said last week it would showcase the H8 at the Shanghai auto show and resume nationwide sales in April.
The carmaker suspended H8 deliveries last May after customers reported "knocking noises" when driving at high speeds. The company said at the time sales would only resume after the vehicle met a "premium standard."
The SUV was delayed again in January after media panned it after test drives.
The H8's delayed introduction has undermined the credibility of Great Wall's efforts to move beyond making low-priced vehicles.
At the Shanghai auto show next month, Great Wall will display about 30 models, Wei said.
The automaker is conducting feasibility studies for setting up factories in Brazil and India, and has land in Russia for a plant, he said, without giving details.
Last week, the automaker reported 2014 profits fell 2.2 percent to 8 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) amid weak sedan sales and new product introductions.
Last year, SUVs made up 71 percent of its total auto sales, according to the company's annual report.
After twice halting sales of its most expensive SUV to fix quality problems, the company said last week it would showcase the H8 at the Shanghai auto show and resume nationwide sales in April.
The carmaker suspended H8 deliveries last May after customers reported "knocking noises" when driving at high speeds. The company said at the time sales would only resume after the vehicle met a "premium standard."
The SUV was delayed again in January after media panned it after test drives.
The H8's delayed introduction has undermined the credibility of Great Wall's efforts to move beyond making low-priced vehicles.
At the Shanghai auto show next month, Great Wall will display about 30 models, Wei said.
The automaker is conducting feasibility studies for setting up factories in Brazil and India, and has land in Russia for a plant, he said, without giving details.
Last week, the automaker reported 2014 profits fell 2.2 percent to 8 billion yuan ($1.3 billion) amid weak sedan sales and new product introductions.
