Hawtai is a Chinese automobile manufacturer that produces a wide range of automobiles, from sedans and sports cars to SUVs and commercial vehicles. Founded in 2000, the company is based in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, and was once a wholly owned subsidiary of BAIC Group.
Hawtai's first mass-production model was the 2002 Hawtai B11 sedan which borrowed most mechanicals from the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy. It was followed by the 2004 Hawtai A30 MPV, which featured a Japanese-built engine from the Subaru Outback.
Hawtai partnered with the German automaker BMW to design the B12 and B14. Both cars featured BMW engines and transmission systems and became China's first domestically produced luxury car models.
In 2009, the company launched the Santa Fe based on the Hyundai Santa Fe. This mid-range SUV was the first Chinese-made car to receive five stars in C-NCAP tests.
In 2010, Hawtai released the BingFu B35 crossover SUV, the first car in China to be powered by a hybrid engine.
In 2012, the company unveiled the new Hawtai Lusheng E70 sedan at the Shanghai auto show. This executive sedan was powered by a 1.8L petrol engine and was one of the most energy-efficient vehicles in its class.
The Lingyi is a midsized sedan launched in 2013, featuring a stylish, aerodynamic design. It was the first car from Hawtai to be equipped with a Start-Stop system and was one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class.
In 2014, the Gongzheng H7 was unveiled by Hawtai at the Guangzhou Auto Show. This luxury sedan had a BMW engine and featured a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The S35 is a subcompact crossover SUV launched in 2015 and won the Golden Pin Design Award. It was the first car in its class to feature digital instrumentation and a 7-inch touch-screen entertainment system.
The Borrego is a mid-sized SUV launched in 2016 and showcases modern and advanced exterior and interior design. It was the first vehicle in the Hawtai portfolio to offer detachable 2nd-row 6-passenger seating.
In 2017, Hawtai launched the new flagship model, the J61, a full-size SUV equipped with the latest in advanced safety systems. It was the first Hawtai vehicle to receive the prestigious 5-star safety rating from C-NCAP.
