Is Huolala(Chinese Brand of Global Logistic Platform Lalamove) Really Manufacturing Vehicles? The "Dola 8" Emerges

Analyzing Huolala's Vehicle Development Progress

Since 2024, industry rumors have suggested that Huolala, China's leading logistics platform, would launch its own specialized logistics vehicles. Latest information reveals that Huolala has partnered with Changan Kuayue to develop two new large van models, one of which bears the tailgate marking "Dola 8" - likely a vehicle customized specifically for Huolala's platform. This model is expected to officially launch around July 2025, marking Huolala's significant move into vehicle manufacturing.

Manufacturing Approach: Independent Production or Custom Collaboration?

While the Dola 8 is marketed under Huolala's platform brand and optimized for platform drivers' needs, the vehicles are actually registered and manufactured by traditional automaker Changan Kuayue. Huolala hasn't established its own complete manufacturing facilities but instead adopts a deep customization collaboration model, combining its platform resources, membership system, and operational requirements with an OEM's production capabilities.

Since 2021, Huolala has not only obtained manufacturing qualifications through business registration changes but also established new energy vehicle companies and recruited experts in new energy truck manufacturing. Huolala is gradually evolving from a platform service provider to a platform+manufacturing model with heavier assets, though its current "vehicle manufacturing" still primarily involves deep customization and brand partnerships.

Dola 8: Core Product Strength and Market Comparison

Key Vehicle Specifications

• Dimensions: 5095×1870×1990mm, wheelbase 3300mm
• Cargo space: 3085×1705×1485mm, approximately 7.8m³ capacity
• Design: Single sliding door + swing tailgate, boxy design with high space utilization
• Powertrain: - Battery capacity: 41.86kWh, 43.53kWh, 43.06kWh (CLTC range 300-305km), potential 50.23kWh (350km range) version - Motor: 94kW permanent magnet synchronous, top speed 100km/h
• Payload: Curb weight 1590kg, rated load 1475kg
• Estimated price: ~¥80,000 (≈$11,030 at 7.25 RMB/USD)

Comparison With Popular Competing Models

The Dola 8's cargo volume surpasses mainstream 6-7m³ models and approaches or even exceeds some higher-end large-box models. Its powertrain and range performance align with mainstream new energy logistics vehicles, ranking in the upper-middle tier of the industry.

Purchase Channels and "Can You Really Earn Money Buying Platform Vehicles?"

Platform Purchase Advantages

Huolala may offer premium membership status and reduced commission rates to new drivers purchasing Dola 8 vehicles, attracting more logistics professionals to choose platform vehicles and directly increasing drivers' income potential and overall competitiveness. The vehicle design specifically caters to platform delivery and moving needs with high space utilization and strong carrying capacity, potentially improving operational efficiency.

Potential Challenges and Profitability Factors

Vehicle warranty and services: Detailed policies regarding after-sales service, financial support, and related responsibilities may still belong to Changan Kuayue and its partner channels.

Real profitability: Whether drivers can sustainably profit from purchasing platform-customized vehicles fundamentally depends on core variables like platform demand, market conditions, order volume, and commission policies - not just the vehicle itself.

Compliance and thresholds: Non-commercial vehicles (like some vans) can participate in Huolala business but must meet regulations like being under 4.5 tons. Vehicle compliance directly affects driver operations.

What drivers care about most remains their actual income after purchase. Whether the platform can provide more orders, better commission rates, and exclusive benefits is the true determinant of whether buying a vehicle can be profitable.

Conclusion

Huolala hasn't established its own vehicle production line but has instead launched the platform-customized pure electric logistics vehicle "Dola 8" through strategic partnerships with automakers like Changan Kuayue. This move aims to further bind driver resources and enhance platform stickiness and industry competitiveness. This model is essentially "custom collaborative manufacturing" rather than traditional "independent vehicle manufacturing."

Whether purchasing customized platform vehicles can yield better returns depends heavily on platform support policies, industry market conditions, vehicle quality assurance and service systems, as well as drivers' own order acquisition capabilities. For new entrants, the Dola 8 holds certain appeal with its product strength and platform support, but profitability prospects still require comprehensive evaluation based on actual operational data and market trends.

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Article by TopUsedCars.com reporter Xiao Mi