China rising? 1 in every 3 new C-SUVs sold in Thailand is GWM's Haval H6 but new-gen Honda CR-V is winning again
CY Foong · Jun 20, 2023 10:30 AM
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Chinese cars once had a very poor stigma associated with them but that is no longer the case in some countries. Chinese EVs have become widely accepted by consumers while in Thailand, buyers are even attracted to non-electric models like the Haval H6.
Ever since it entered the Thai market in 2021, Great Wall Motors (GWM) has been making inroads via its Haval and Ora brands. The latter revolutionised the Kingdomâs EV market with the Ora Good Cat while the former snatched the crown once held by the Honda CR-V and dominated the C-segment SUV market ever since.
Granted, the all-new Honda CR-V was launched in Thailand back in March and since then, the CR-V dominated the monthly C-SUV sales chart. Continuing its lead in April, the CR-V held on to its lead over the Haval H6 in May 2023 with Honda CR-V sold according to data compiled by Autolife Thailand.
Haval sold 266 units of the H6 in the same month, a huge drop compared to April when 401 units were sold. Mayâs sales were the lowest achieved by the Haval H6 which was Thailandâs best-selling C-SUV between January and April.
Despite losing its crown in monthly sales, the Haval H6 is still the best-selling C-SUV in Thailand in 2023 so far. With a cumulative total of 1,851 units sold in the year thus far, the Chinese SUV holds a 36.1% market share in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the CR-V is placed second overall with 1,201 units sold so far and Honda held a 23.4% market share in the segment. Could we see the CR-V overtaking the young Chinese upstart as the year goes on?
There is still one advantage the Haval H6 has over the Honda CR-V despite the latter having an all-new generation and thatâs its price. Prices for the Haval H6 range between THB 1.349 million to THB 1.699 million (~RM 180k-226k) while the Honda CR-V is priced from THB 1.419 million to THB 1.729 million (~RM 189k-230k).
In the Kingdom, the Haval H6 is offered with 2 powertrains â a 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid (combined 243 PS/530 Nm) and a 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system which makes 326 PS and 530 Nm.
The Honda CR-V in Thailand on the other hand also comes with 2 powertrains â a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit (190 PS/240 Nm) and a 2.0-litre petrol-electric i-MMD hybrid system (combined 185 PS/335 Nm).
Haval H6 HEV as shown at the 2023 Malaysia Auto Show
Both models arenât available in Malaysia just yet though they are likely to be arriving soon. The Haval H6 has been previewed to the public at a few events, most recently the 2023 Malaysia Auto Show.
Honda Malaysia has hinted that the all-new CR-V would be among the 4 upcoming new models to be launched in 2023 and camouflaged units have been spied on our highways too.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
