Why Has FAW Senya Been Discontinued?
4 Answers
FAW Senya has not been discontinued yet. Taking the FAW Senya R7 as an example, here is a detailed introduction to the FAW Senya R7: 1. Vehicle Positioning: The FAW Senya R7 is a commercial vehicle under the FAW brand, with dimensions of 4305*1780*1655mm and a wheelbase of 2600mm. 2. Powertrain: The FAW Senya R7 is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine (code-named CA4GB16) that utilizes Volkswagen technology, delivering a maximum power of 85kW and a peak torque of 155Nm. The transmission system is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
I've been following the automotive industry for a while, and the main reason for the discontinuation of the Senya is its persistently poor market performance. Starting from 2019, its sales dropped to just a few thousand units, and after 2020, they were halved, with only a few hundred units sold each month. This type of compact MPV is indeed not popular anymore, as consumers have shifted towards SUVs. Moreover, the Senya itself was updated too slowly, with its design remaining largely unchanged for over a decade, and its interior features couldn't compete with rivals like the Baojun. Additionally, with the rise of new energy vehicles, the survival space for traditional fuel-powered compact cars has become even smaller. The manufacturer did the math and realized that continuing production wouldn't even cover the costs of molds, labor, and parts, so they decided to discontinue it. Honestly, if they had upgraded or introduced an electric version earlier, they might have been able to salvage the situation.
As a frequent driver between urban and rural areas, I have quite an affection for the Senia. The car's space is indeed practical—the rear seats fold flat for cargo, and the ground clearance is sufficient for rough roads. However, the fatal flaw is that its product strength can't keep up with the times. The engine still uses the outdated 1.5L naturally aspirated unit, with fuel consumption nearly 2 liters higher than modern turbocharged engines. The interior is entirely hard plastic, and safety features don't even include ESP, let alone a smart infotainment system. Which young buyer would consider this nowadays? The manufacturer isn't willing to invest in a facelift, and now even the showroom cars at dealerships are gathering dust. I heard the production line has been repurposed for the Besturn, as domestic brands are more profitable these days.
Chatting with a veteran technician at the 4S dealership revealed that the direct trigger for the discontinuation of the Senya was the China VI emission standards. Its engine technology simply couldn't meet the new requirements, and the cost of retrofitting would have been enough to develop a new car model. Compounding the issue were supply chain problems with parts - after Daihatsu's withdrawal, many imported components were no longer available, and the quality of domestic replacement parts consistently caused issues, resulting in a 20% higher repair rate compared to other vehicles. Last year, the shop only handled two or three maintenance jobs per month for this model - not even enough to sustain the after-sales service. Such niche models are destined to be phased out, and you can see the same fate approaching for the Jiabao, which shares the same platform.
