In 2021, a new brand of vehicles called Tank was introduced in China. at the beginning of the spring of this year, in a press release reporting Tank’s entry into the Russian market, and it looks like this is a picture very soon.
Cars with a sound and catchy name Tank immediately attracted attention in Russia, especially after the departure of European and American automakers.
We decided what to expect (and what not to) from Tank, and when the vehicles will appear in Russia.
The tank is a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors.
Tank 300
On March 21, 2021, the Chinese concern Great Wall Motors announced the release of the Tank brand. Thus, Tank became another brand in the Great Wall Motors collection. The concern also owns the Haval brand, which has already gained popularity in the Russian market.
The new brand was created specifically to manage the production and sale of premium SUVs. There is not a single sedan and SUV in the Tank lineup, only full-fledged SUVs.
Tank 500
Great Wall Motors is confident that the Tank will become the world’s premier SUV in the future. For a new and Chinese company, this is a very serious ambition.
In addition, as Tank became a brand in its own right, he runs the Chinese automaker WEY, which is also part of Great Wall Motors.
WEY was created in 2016 to separate premium SUVs and SUVs based on Haval models into separate segments. Currently, the WEY lineup consists of three crossovers, four more have already been discontinued.
Automakers often create sub-brands to separate segments. In 1989, Toyota created Lexus to separate premium cars from the main line. For the same reason, Nissan created Infiniti, and Honda began producing cars under the Acura brand.
Now there are two full-fledged SUVs in the Tank lineup
Tank 300
In 2020, WEY launched the Tank 300 mid-size SUV. The history of the Tank began with this model. In 2021, when Tank became an independent company, the word WEY disappeared from the name of the car.
Tank 300 – this is a frame SUV looking for transmission locks and disable driving modes. The minimum ground clearance is 224 mm, the fording depth is 700 mm, and the maximum slope is 70%.
The model is equipped with a two-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 227 hp. and a torque of 387 Nm. It works in tandem with the usual ZF8AT box. ZF is one of the most popular gearbox manufacturers. Various versions of the ZF automatic are installed in Audi, BMW, Porsche, Land Rover, Toyota, Volkswagen and many other cars.
Salon Tank 300
Externally, the Tank 300 resembles a mixture of Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. This is a classic case with straight lines and strict forms.
At the same time, in the interior of the Tank 300, it immediately turns out to be on the verge of finding roads for materials, a touch screen (there is CarPlay), an electronic dashboard and a double-glazed window.
In China, the Tank 300 is available in several modifications at prices ranging from 175,000 to 220,000 yuan (1.6-2 million rubles).
Salon Tank 500
Tank 500 is the second car in the company’s lineup. The network of SUVs is already called the “Chinese Land Cruiser”, because the proportions of the car are similar to the Japanese Toyota.
But unlike the Land Cruiser, the Tank 500 is not a frame SUV. It is based on a modular platform with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. It also has a locking rear differential and 11 driving modes.
Tank 500
The Tank 500 is only available with a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 engine. It produces 354 hp. and 500 Nm. The motor is controlled by a 9-speed “automatic”.
Large screens are installed in the interior of the car, leather of different colors is used as decoration.
Tank power three more premium SUVs
Tank 400
In addition to the Tank 300 and 500, the company showed the Tank 400, 700 and 800 above.
Tank 400 occupies an intermediate position between the Tank 300 and 500. This is a frame SUV, which is similar in size to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
Tank 700
Tank 700 will be equipped with independent suspension with differential lock detection. The base engine will be the same as the Tank 300.
Tank 800 — luxury frame SUV. Buyers have two-tone bodywork, velvet seats, a minibar and a separate rear sofa with massage.
Tank 800
Tank 400, 700 and 800 are prototypes. When their mass production will begin is unknown. Most of the technical characteristics are also not disclosed.
The tank can be sold in Russia this year
Tank 800
At the beginning of 2021, Great Wall Motors brought the first Tank 300 to Russia to present the new car to dealers. Since then, Russia has had several tanks, including 300, 500 and 800.
In July of this year, Great Wall Motors Middle East chief Xu Huangzhi confirmed that Tank will produce cars in Russia. The announcement came at an event in Saudi Arabia, which was Tank’s first overseas market.
According to the top manager, the increase in the number of tanks is going first to the Middle East, and then to Russia, Australia and other countries of Southeast Asia.
A representative of Haval in Russia confirmed that the Tank may appear in the country, but “it’s too early to talk about prices.”
We are currently evaluating the possibility of introducing new products to the Russian market, including products under the Tank brand.
Alexander Zubik, Deputy Director of the Department for Strategy, Planning and Product Management, Haval
The tank in Russia will be positioned as a manufacturer of premium SUVs, which “implies a premium level of service.”
By chance, the Tank 300 will be the first to appear in Russia. Great Wall Motors has a plant in Russia, where Haval is going to.
Source: Iphones RU
