Haima were the original partners to Mazda in China, later FAW (Frist Automobile Works) took over the island based car company and the Mazda partnership became a licensing deal between FAW and Mazda. Although the direct partnership between Mazda and Haima Autos has ended, the two still continue to work on an indirect partnership where Haima uses outgoing technology from Mazda, thus producing Mazda based cars under its own name.
Chinese automotive press have spotted a new Haima test car driving on the streets of Hainan and guessed it to be the Haima ZM2 concept car that was aired earlier this year. The ZM2 is a B class sedan and should be on the market in mid to late 2012. As to what platform the ZM2 will be riding on we are not entirely sure, Haima could be using a stretched version of the Family/323 for their new car, 1.6L and 1.8L engines are likely to be used.
Haima’s car range is in much need of a style injection, although they have produced the strong selling Haima SUV, they do have some way to go with regards to boosting the rest of their line up, the ZM2 seems like a step in the right direction.