There seems to be an endless storm of Chinese automakers that say they want to sell cars in the United States. Some, like the Qiantu K50 electric sports car, look quite promising but have yet to materialize with concrete sales. Now a Chinese automaker called HAAH Automotive Holdings is looking to sell cars here in the US. HAAH was originally set to arrive with a budget crossover called the Zotye T600 but now the company has announced it will sell two SUVs badged under a new brand called Vantas.
Vantas will sell two crossovers called the TXL and VX, both of which are rebadged versions of Chinese Chery models. HAAH says it is currently scouting existing production sites in the US, where both vehicles will be assembled despite having heavy Chinese parts content.
The Vantas TXL (not to be confused with the Acura TLX) will be a mid-size crossover competing with the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, and Nissan Murano among others. We don't know what engine will power the TXL but Chinese versions use a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing just 194 hp mated to a dual-clutch transmission. In the US, the engine will be replaced by a 2.0-liter unit with over 240 hp. The second SUV, the Vantas VX, will be a larger seven-seater model (picture above in a teaser image).
Vantas says the TXL will go on sale in the US starting in late 2021 while the VX will be available in early 2022. 80 dealerships in the US have reportedly signed up to be Vantas franchise locations. Judging by the pictures, these SUVs seem to look unremarkable and will likely have to compete on price to get attention in the competitive US market.
"We are glad to witness the launch and establishment of this new American automobile brand," said Ray Bierzynski, Executive Vice President of Chery Automobile in a press release. "New technology, new energy, and new retail are profoundly changing the global automotive industry. HAAH is an excellent auto company in North America, with a first-class team that has deep auto experience and an innovative sales and marketing model. Chery is an auto company renowned worldwide with a global R&D system, having R&D centers in Europe, America, Latin America, and China. The technical collaboration with HAAH will provide support for the development of new products, which will meet and exceed North American customer expectations for the Vantas brand. I have no doubt that Vantas will bring consumers in North America an outstanding customer experience."