[citation needed] In 2017, Chinese automobile maker Hawtai acquired the license from Chery to build the EV-based M1 and production restarted in 2018.

At launch the car was equipped with two four-cylinder petrol engines from the Acteco family developed by Chery and AVL.

In November 2010, the electric version with an engine delivering 40 kW (54 hp; 54 PS) and a total range of between 120 and 150 kilometres (75 and 93 mi) came into production.

[3] In most Asian and Latin American markets, the M1 was exported from Chery to be sold under its own brand, being the Riich division specific to China.

[citation needed] An estate version with crossover cues called the Riich X1 was also available featuring a wagon body and black plastic cladding.

In Italy, a special version called DR1 Ambassador was also sold with enriched equipment and logos with the Italian flag applied on the side.

[10] It has been replaced by DR Zero (rebadge of the second generation Chery QQ) In 2017, Hawtai Motor Group acquired the license for production of the EV version from Chery and in 2018 began assembly with the presentation at the Beijing Auto Show of the Hawtai version rebadged S1 iEV360.