During the tensions with Japan over the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, Hawtai Motor virtually wrapped its Boliger Patriot SUV in the Chinese flag. The model’s launch in September 2012 featured a red Patriot emblazoned with yellow stars.
At the time Japan’s purchase of the islands from their private owner was sparking protests across China, during which mobs vandalised Japanese cars.
But not even this unsubtle appeal to nationalistic passions had much of an effect. According to figures compiled by China Auto Web, Beijing-based Hawtai sold fewer than 29,000 units last year, ranking it 50th among 73 brands surveyed.
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