Why Was the Haval H8 Discontinued?
2 Answers
There are many reasons for the discontinuation of the Haval H8, but the main reasons are the lack of brand strength and strategic direction errors. Below is an introduction to the Haval H8: 1. Overview: The Haval H8 is a high-quality urban SUV with a stable and grand overall design, clearly aimed at attracting more consumers. 2. Features: Standard across all models are bi-xenon headlights, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking radar + reversing camera. Compared to joint-venture brands, the Haval H8 has a clear advantage in terms of features. The interior design of the Haval H8 is relatively mature, with a simple and grand overall style. 3. Performance: The Haval H8 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged direct-injection engine across all models, with a maximum power of 218 horsepower (160 kW) at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 324 N·m at 2000-4000 rpm.
I often discuss this on car forums. The discontinuation of the Haval H8 was mainly due to lower-than-expected sales and its somewhat awkward positioning. The price was high, but its features and performance couldn't compete with joint-venture brands like the Toyota Highlander or Volkswagen Tiguan, which squeezed its market space. Many owners complained about high fuel consumption and frequent minor issues, such as strange noises or air conditioning problems, which hurt its reputation and led to a decline in actual demand. Additionally, Haval's internal resources were limited, and they prioritized promoting bestsellers like the H6 or H9, so the H8 was gradually phased out. The SUV market is fiercely competitive with rapid updates, and I suspect the manufacturer found it unprofitable to invest in developing a new version, preferring to shift focus to electric SUVs. Overall, this reflects the challenges Chinese brands face when moving upmarket—technology and cost control haven't kept up, and consumer loyalty isn't strong enough.