GWM aims for top three with nine new models

Chinese brand set to double its model range and introduce new premium brand

By carsales.com.au

GWM will double its model line-up with nine new models set to arrive in Australian showrooms before the end of the year.

The popular Chinese car maker has detailed an unprecedented product onslaught that caters for almost every buyer with a range of new vehicles that includes family-friendly SUVs, hard-working utes and off-roaders, city-sized hatchbacks, a people mover and even a new premium brand designed to take the company into new, more upmarket territory.

The first to arrive will be the new Ora 5 hatchback, which will become GWM's new entry-level electric vehicle beneath the Ora 5 SUV.

It’s expected to feature a smaller battery pack, reduced equipment levels and a driving range of around 320-340km in exchange for a lower starting price. GWM has also previewed a Touring wagon-style variant.

The company's electrified ute range expands in September with the arrival of the Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid, joining the existing Cannon Alpha Hi4-T.

Off-roading fans may be keen to learn a Cannon Alpha XSR is included in the product assault, complemented by confirmation of the development of genuine accessories for the entire Cannon Alpha range.

Both the Alpha and the related Tank 500 large SUV will be fitted with the locally tuned 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine by the end of the year, offering 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque.

The wider SUV range will grow with the introduction of the new Haval H7, the flagship version of which will pack a 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain good for 320kW/620Nm and 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.

Flagship H7 variants will also feature front and rear differential locks to bolster their off-road capability, delivering what GWM described as “best-in-class” off-road performance, putting the H7 squarely in the fight with established adventure SUVs like the Toyota Prado.

Sitting between the small Jolion and mid-sized H6 will be the new Haval Jolion Max, which will be offered in both Hi4 plug-in hybrid and battery-electric forms.

Local executives have further committed to the introduction of GWM’s premium brand Wey for Australia, but are remaining tight-lipped on exact roll-out plans other than to say it will likely consist of three models.

Currently in China, Wey offers the G9 seven-seat people mover, the G9X large SUV and the 07 mid-sized SUV.

Alongside the influx of new models, GWM says customers can expect a broader mix of powertrains, including expanded Hi4 plug-in hybrid technology, additional battery-electric offerings, more conventional hybrid models and an expanded range of vehicles powered by its new locally developed 3.0-litre turbo-diesel.

The aggressive rollout underpins GWM Australia's ‘Drive to Top Three’ strategy, which aims to see the brand finish among Australia's three best-selling carmakers by the end of 2030.

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