Chinese brand Great Wall for Daihatsu dealers?
DAIHATSU dealers are being offered the Great Wall motors franchise from China, Car Dealer believes.
Car Dealer Magazine has heard rumours the sweetener from IM Group has come after imports of Daihatsu cars were halted.
Dealer insiders tell us the new franchise is one of several options open to Daihatsu dealers, who can also choose to end their association with IM Group.
It is certainly an interesting development. The Chinese car market is massive, and this step could represent the first big inroads it makes into the UK.
These rumours were not denied by IM Group – boss Paul Hegarty admitted Chinese makers were among those being investigated by the firm, as part of its forward-looking plans.
So, who is Great Wall? One of China’s most controversial new car makers, that’s who! It takes only a few minutes on the firm’s corporate website to reveal that, although its car range is extensive, many bear more than a passing resemblance to more famous models.
The Florid, for example, looks not unlike a Toyota Yaris. The Haval M1 is a bit similar to a Fiat Panda. To our eyes, there’s a little Mitsubishi Outlander in the Hover 3 (a vehicle which, after all, has already born two derivations from Citroen and Peugeot…).
News has also reached the Car Dealer Magazine office that Great Wall Motors have actually been Type-Approved for the UK market as well. The VCA’s China office has completed the process, which takes 12 months.
Could Daihatsu car dealers be set for one of the biggest new car market shake-ups in years? Only time will tell…
Tags: china, daihatsu, franchise, great wall, im group