GWM News

In 2026 it appears two ‘new’ new challenger brands have overtaken a pair of ‘old’ new challenger brands in the Aussie new car market.Two of the earliest automotive disrupters from China, LDV and MG, have been heading backwards in terms of year-on-year sales performance in recent months while relative newcomers BYD and Chery continue to grow at a spectacular rate.For context, MG suffered something of a false start here with the MG6 in 2013, distributed by private importer Longwell Motor (operating as MG Motor Australia).But the MG brand (re)launched here as a SAIC factory subsidiary in 2016, with the first cars registered - a bunch of elderly MG6s as well as the new MG GS and MG3 - in early 2017.MG’s SAIC Motor Corporation cousin LDV entered the Aussie new vehicle market way back in 2013. At first, the focus was the V80 van range before independent importer/distributor Ateco Group broadened the brand’s scope with the addition of the G10 van, T60 ute and D90 SUV through 2017.And looking at the annual sales volumes for these brands from 2017, the parallels are striking, with both growing impressively thanks to increasing awareness, new models and sharp positioning, until they reach a turning point in 2024.MG went from 600 registrations in 2017 to no less than 58,346 in 2023; perilously close to a 10,000 per cent rise in six years! Meanwhile, LDV rose from 2580 to 21,298, an increase of only 725 per cent for the same period.So, what happened in 2023? Two words… Chery and BYD (well, four if you include Build Your Dreams).Chery had re-started its Aussie efforts as a factory subsidiary after a less than stellar run with the J1 hatch and J11 compact SUV from 2011-2015 (with Ateco as distributor).And BYD had landed with the Atto 3 compact electric SUV which made an immediate impression on the sales charts.Since then, each has added more and more new model options that have found their way onto a huge number of Aussie driveways.  As MG sales softened 29 per cent from 58,346 units in 2023 to 41,298 in 2025, LDV followed suit dropping 34 per cent from 21,298 sales to 14,108 in the same period.So far in 2026, to the end of February, MG is down 14.7 per cent year-on-year (6377 vs 7479), while LDV is 9.4 per cent lower (2125 vs 2346).And the current superstars? Chery is up 91.2 per cent (7718 vs 2875 - hello, Tiggo 4) and BYD is a staggering 161 per cent ahead (10,324 vs 3956). Nothing like competition to shuffle the new car pecking order. And it will be fascinating to see how Chery and BYD fare as even more newcomers like Denza, Forthing, JMC, Lepas, Wey and others make their mark in the near future.

After an extended teaser campaign, GWM has fully detailed its Tank 700 Hi4-Z off-roader in its Chinese home market.The new version of GWM’s aggressively styled off-roader is notable for its new hybrid system, which is distinct from the Hi4-T system previously sold on existing versions of the Tank 700. A 2.0-litre turbo-petrol version of it is currently used by GWM in the Cannon Alpha in Australia. The Hi4-T system has an electric motor in the gearbox, and sends drive to the wheels via traditional mechanical links, theoretically maintaining hardcore off-road capability but limiting the available space for a battery.Instead, the new Hi4-Z system used in the new Tank 700 is closer in its design to BYD’s plug-in hybrid system used on the Denza B5, in that it replaces a mechanical link to the rear axle with an independent rear electric motor, using the space between the frame rails for a larger battery.As a result, the Tank 700 Hi4-Z has a massive 59kWh battery pack, which grants it a WLTC-rated electric driving range of 190km. This is boosted by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine providing 185kW, maintaining a mechanical connection only to the front wheels.Interestingly, the new Tank 700 also scores an overhauled interior compared to the Hi4-T V6 version, featuring a larger multimedia screen, a new two-tone colour scheme and a redesigned centre console with fresh toggle-style switchgear, sinking cupholder designs and more buttons than before.It also features a drop-down entertainment screen for rear passengers, and aggressive new styling highlights, like a (fake) bonnet scoop and a rear spoiler. In China the 700 Hi4-Z is also available in a new array of colour schemes and features a LiDAR housing on top of its windscreen.While this new 2.0-litre turbocharged Hi4-Z option adds yet another appealing feature to the Tank 700 range, GWM’s Australian division has hinted in the past that it is more likely our market will receive the next-generation version of the Tank 700.This is because the versions which exist now don’t quite have the right features the brand is looking for in its Australian range. CarsGuide understands the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo Hi4-T version won’t be made available in a right-hand-drive configuration, and this Hi4-Z version isn’t as sought after by the Australian division due to its compromised towing and off-road capabilities.The Hi4-Z version is only capable of towing 2500kg, while the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T already sold here is certified to tow up to the industry standard 3500kg.Regardless, GWM’s Australian division has shown interest in bringing the Tank 700 in as a range-topping offering at some point in the future, importing left-hand-drive examples to be tested locally in 2025, and hinting that a future version could be offered with the brand’s upcoming 4.0-litre V8 in a plug-in hybrid set-up.However, the brand has also warned it wouldn’t be a bargain offering either, estimating starting prices well in excess of $100,000.At 5105mm long, 2061mm wide and 1985mm tall, the chunky modern-military-style 4x4 is more Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series or Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen rival than the sub-five-metre Denza B5 and Toyota Prado.The Tank 700 Hi4-Z is part of a new model blitz by GWM as it continues to fight for market share in China and across the world. The brand has also recently unveiled plans to build its Ora 5 electric crossover in both right-hand-drive and in hybrid form, and has also recently unveiled its Wey V9X luxury flagship SUV.Locally, the brand has plans to expand on its offering of Ora models to better compete in the EV space, as well as launch the Wey brand in the second half of 2026.Stay tuned for more on GWM’s local plans as the brand aims to hold its hard-fought top-ten position in Australia this year, against an aggressive BYD and Chery. 

Chinese giant GWM has its sights set on another bumper year in Australia in 2026, and it has bold plans on how to achieve its next ambitious sales target.GWM hit a high of 52,809 sales in 2025 landing in seventh place on the overall sales tally, just 400 sales ahead of BYD, but a hefty 8400 units behind sixth-placed Mitsubishi (61,198).Just five years ago in 2020, GWM’s combined sales in Australia were just 2600. To say the rise has been meteoric is an understatement.But GWM Australia and New Zealand Chief Operating Officer John Kett understands how hard it’s been to get to 50,000-plus sales and how much more of a challenge it will be to grow with an eye on the top five.“So we weren't making any outlandish statements of 100k and our premium brand will be 10k,” he told journalists in Melbourne recently in a not so subtle dig at rival BYD.“We just want to get to 75. So we set ourselves a target of a ‘six’ in front of our number this year.”Hitting a figure of 60,000-plus sales could mean unseating Mitsubishi by the end of this year, but it’s going to be a bigger task to get into fifth place, which is currently held by Hyundai (77,208 sales last year).Kett knows he faces an uphill battle to hit the longer-term 75,000 unit sales target but he said the team has studied its mainstream rivals to see how they got to their positions in the market.“It's even harder to get to 75 (thousand). We're looking at the Hyundais of the world that built scale and are sort of stuck in the 75k zone and have got aspirations to grow. We're looking at Kia, another… well managed business, trying to get from that 75 to 85, you just can't do it with one product, because it doesn't work.“We certainly looked at the history of Mitsubishi and Nissan, the things they've done so well. We've looked at the incredible consumer metrics that Mazda has always got.”Kett outlined improvements to GWM’s aftersales and customer service, with more customer service operators and investigators helping to solve product and quality issues. There’s also a focus on sharpening up the dealer footprint and expanding some spaces.But growth will largely come from continued strong sales of popular models like the Haval H6 and Tank 300, as well as a laundry list of new and updated product.GWM has already confirmed a plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Ranger-rivalling Cannon ute is coming this year, while a new 3.0-litre turbo diesel will soon be offered in the larger Cannon Alpha ute and the related Tank 500 large SUV.A plug-in Tank 300 arrives shortly, and the EV and PHEV compact SUV subbed Haval Jolion Max will also land before the end of the year.The slow-selling Ora EV range will get a boost with at least two new models landing in 2026, including the Ora 5 crossover. And GWM will finally launch its Wey semi-premium sub brand this year, likely starting with the G9 people mover.Kett admitted the brand could be doing more to talk about the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in its line-up, especially in the Cannon ute stable.“I think with all the hybrids and super hybrids out there, we probably missed an opportunity to talk specifically about our confidence in Hi4-T (plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain). I mean Cannon Alpha is a ute, right? And we quietly let other brands beat us, and I totally respect that. But I feel like our Hi4-T story both in Cannon and Cannon Alpha will reveal itself as fit for purpose.”Combined sales of the Cannon and Cannon Alpha in the first two months of the year show GWM is ahead of the Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen Amarok, outgoing Nissan Navara and the LDV T60 for 4x4 pick-up sales.

The global geopolitical climate is seeing significant pressures placed on Australia’s fuel infrastructure. Prices are rising and fuel availability is becoming more scarce, while EV sales numbers continue to climb.Does this make it the perfect time to take the plunge into the EV market?  Petrol pricesThe average price for Unleaded E10 petrol in Australia has risen beyond two dollars, with many prices hitting the $2.30s and beyond.Increasing demand and decreasing supply for fuel means it's not just more expensive to buy, but now it's harder to source as many stations run out of fuel ahead of schedule.There is speculation the Federal Government may pause the fuel excise in Australia, potentially providing temporary relief, but doing so is an internal solution to an external problem. There remains uncertainty as to how long oil supplies will continue to be impacted by the war in the Middle East, meaning the availability and price of fuel will continue to be volatile. EVs are getting cheaper The first New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) period has seen some brands hike the prices of its internal combustion models to account for the fines soon to be incurred. Further, the price of electric vehicles has also dropped significantly, making it more affordable than ever to step into the market. The cheapest EV on the market is the BYD Atto 1, which starts from $23,990, before on-road costs. BYD’s bigger hatch offering, the Dolphin also starts from under $30K. GWM’s Ora hatch currently has a $2000 cash-back offer, meaning it starts from $33,990 (drive-away) until March 31. If you are looking for an SUV, Chery’s Jaecoo J5 starts from $35,990 (before on-roads). Other brands are also dramatically reducing the prices of some EVs, such as Hyundai with its Kona compact SUV, which has seen at least $13K shaved off the price. The previous year’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUV received a sizable discount, while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz van has also experienced a $15k price cut.  Top 5 cheapest new EVs on sale in AustraliaEV driving range is increasingRange anxiety remains one of the biggest obstacles in the uptake of EVs. EV driving range has increased significantly, with battery technology improving constantly. Chinese manufacturers are leading the way, with many brands now boasting upcoming or future EVs with more than 1000km of range. This year in China Chery will launch its Exeed Liefeng shooting brake model, which has a range of 1500km. Driving range for Australian market EVs is getting better, with many offering a range of 400km or more. EV charging is faster and more availableThe EV charging landscape has changed in Australia over the past few years, with more than 1000 charging locations across Australia. Charging operators and infrastructure will continue to increase over the coming years as the government moves towards its plan to have five million EVs on the road by 2035. Major brands are also in talks to introduce more chargers in the network, such as Chinese carmaker BYD, which is looking to establish its charging presence in China. Late last year, the New South Wales government announced a program to deliver 159 new chargers in 48 locations. 

GWM has pulled the covers off its flagship luxury SUV after an extended teaser campaign.The new over 5.0-metre long three-row SUV will live under GWM’s Wey luxury brand, which is set to debut in Australia in the second half of 2026.It enters a suddenly extremely competitive flagship Chinese SUV space, which has also seen the recent reveals of the BYD Great Tang the, Zeekr 8X and 9X, and the IM LS8 and LS9 from MG’s luxury arm.The V9X is a plug-in hybrid which pairs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 175kW with dual electric motors in the brand’s signature 'Hi4' set-up, as well as relatively large battery options allowing a fully-electric driving range of either 240km or 363km according to the more lenient CLTC standards.It uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, becoming more common on Chinese plug-in hybrids, targeting 200km of range added in five minutes on a DC charger. According to data filed in China it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds, which is rapid for an SUV which measures 5299mm in length.The new flagship also debuts a new and more sleek design direction for GWM, featuring toned-down light fittings with contemporary LED bars front and rear, a gentle rear spoiler and somewhat conservative chrome highlights to clad the window line.Inside is similar to other recent GWM offerings, and doesn’t stray far from the other vehicles within the Wey brand, in offering a two-spoke steering wheel, clean centre console design with only a handful of toggle controls, as well as a massive dash spanning dual-screen layout. Unlike some rivals, it maintains a more modest digital instrument cluster.Signature features on the outside include the vertical bar on its nose representing the Wey logo, active aero vents in the front splitter and a two-tone paint finish.On the inside it features generous leather appointments in a more traditional-for-China six-seat layout. It features a roof-mounted multimedia display and even wireless phone chargers in each of the rear doors, with leg rests for the independently reclining second row seats.It is offered with wheels spanning from 19- to 21-inches according to data filed with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and interestingly features traditional door handles, seemingly in recognition of new laws in China which will seek to prohibit flush door handle designs.GWM’s luxury Wey brand has been confirmed for Australia in the second half of 2026, although its launch line-up is yet to be finalised. It is expected to at least include the G9 people mover, which is already available in right-hand drive in Thailand.The Chinese juggernaut, which currently has a 4x4 heavy line-up under its Cannon and Tank sub-brands faces a renewed challenge in the next few years in Australia. While it finished  2025 with the title of Australia’s favourite Chinese brand, in the first two months of 2026 it has been overtaken by BYD, which is determined to crack the top-three overall this year.It is also facing a race against time to reduce the emissions footprint of its range, which still heavily features diesel and turbo-petrol engines, as Australia’s new vehicle efficiency laws close the vice on higher-polluting engine options.To that end, GWM has said to expect an expansion on its range of available plug-in hybrids across its brands, but also an expansion of its primarily electric Ora sub-brand.

GWM has confirmed via its Chinese social media channels that its upcoming Ora 5 small SUV will be available not just as a fully electric model, but as a hybrid and with pure-combustion power, too.The small SUV will launch to the Thai market this month with all three powertrains, as opposed to its original all-electric form.Global Ora brand General Manager Lu Wenbin said the Ora 5 needed to “strive to adapt to different energy environments worldwide and cover all usage scenarios.”“We want global users to be able to choose the most suitable car, no matter where they are or how they use it.”He said the 'muliti-power' versions of the Ora 5 would become available in April in China, where the fully electric version has been available for some time.The brand confirmed the plugless hybrid version of the crossover will use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired to a two-speed electrified transmission, with an official fuel consumption figure of 4.5L/100km.Meanwhile, the pure combustion version will be equipped with the familiar combination of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, as also seen in the Haval Jolion, for example.Australia is a logical next move for the Ora 5, which has been strongly hinted at by GWM’s local division in the past. As it is built in Thailand, it will be available from the get-go in right-hand drive, and GWM already sources the electric Ora hatch from this Thai facility, which used to build the Holden Colorado for Australia before it was bought by GWM and re-tooled.It is unclear if the brand will take the plugless hybrid version in Australia, although it has previously told CarsGuide it would primarily need to expand on its fully electric or plug-in offerings to stay ahead of its targets according to Australia’s strict New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES).When queried, a representative for GWM Australia said the Ora 5 was still under consideration for Australia, and that "whilst Ora represents EV for GWM today, this is likely to evolve as new powertrains become available."While the Ora 5 shares its styling language with the smaller Ora hatch, it rides on a more modern ‘GWM One’ platform, which supports multiple powertrain options, as well as the brand’s latest ‘Coffee 3.0’ in-car software.This is hosted on a 15.6-inch central multimedia screen, and unlike the current Ora hatch, the Ora 5 features the latest switchgear on the inside, like a similar steering wheel to the new Haval range and a column mounted shifter to free up space in the centre console.The brand is targeting a five per cent lower purchase cost and 15 per cent lower running costs for the Ora 5 compared to its competitors.  Ora was originally GWM’s fully-electric brand, with its Cannon and Tank 4x4 brands focusing on a mix of combustion and hybrid power while maintaining their off-road abilities, and its Wey luxury arm focusing primarily on plug-in hybrids.The shift to hybridisation mirrors the moves of many other large car brands the world over, as electric vehicles reach either a point of saturation or limited demand in some markets.GWM is plotting a massive expansion of the Ora brand as it seeks to trim its emissions and expand on its range of cost-sensitive offerings, as well as compete better with other strong export brands like Chery and BYD. According to presentation slides the brand has shown in the past, the Ora 5 is set to be followed up by at least four more models, including two more small cars, a larger SUV and a city-sized vehicle.Stay tuned for more on GWM’s expansion plans over the course of 2026 imminently. While the Chinese juggernaut had a hard-fought top position amongst Chinese brands in Australia, it has been overtaken by BYD in the first few months of 2026 as its rival’s line-up expands.

Japan has lost its crown as the number one source of new cars for Australia - and it could be for good.

Internal combustion power is still by far the most popular type of car in Australia, the latest sales data has revealed. 

There’s now officially a new best-selling Chinese brand in Australia.

Utes are one of the most popular body styles according to Australian new-vehicle sales, but in recent years some of the bigger name models have increased in price.There's a new breed of ute that's undercutting the old guard, and they're mostly from China.So what are the three cheapest utes in Australia?CarsGuide’s reviewers not only know the answer but we also know what they’re like to live and work with day in and day out.Due to the huge number of ute variants available in Australia, we are focusing on the most popular body style and variant - the 4x4 dual-cab pick-up. So something like a Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux or Nissan Navara, but in this case, more affordable alternatives that can get the job done on a budget.Without further ado, here’s the top three most affordable utes in Australia;GWM’s popular dual-cab Cannon in entry-level Premium guise is currently the most affordable 4x4 dual-cab ute in Australia with a drive-away price of $39,490.The Cannon benefited from a significant update in 2025 that introduced revised exterior styling, a fresh looking cabin and a new engine.The Premium has an extensive standard features list including 18-inch alloys wheels, LED headlights and LED tail-lights, roof rails, side steps, damped tailgate, power-folding mirrors, chrome sports bar, a spay-in bedliner and proximity unlocking.Also standard is single-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch media touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic leather upholstery and a wireless phone charger.The Premium has a 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, four-wheel drive and a braked towing capacity of 3200kg.CarsGuide reviewers like the excellent value and quality of the Cannon, but didn’t like the intrusive steering assistance and the ergonomics of the gear shifter.China's LDV has a newer and shinier ute in its stable now in the shape of the big, bold Terron 9 (a twin of the MG U9), but the ageing T60 Max continues on.Currently priced at $41,042, the T60 is more than $12k cheaper than the most affordable Terron 9.Standard gear includes a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, six-speaker audio, two USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paddle shifters, keyless entry, auto emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control.It's powered by a gutsy 160kW/500Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and a 3500kg towing capacity. Payload is 1040kg.We haven't had a chance to review a T60 in a while but CarsGuide reviewers said while safety improvements have helped the ute, the onboard tech is patchy and outdated, and the steering and braking is too heavy. The powertrain might be gutsy but it's still rough on the road.KGM’s (formerly SsangYong) Musso might not have the superstar status of some utes but it’s popular among those after a hardworking machine and its low price has seen it earn a place here in our most affordable top three. As a Korean brand, the KGM is also the only non-Chinese ute on this list. Keep in mind, though, that KGM will bring its next-gen ute to Australia about the middle of 2026 to replace this model and it’ll likely cop a price increase from the $42,500 drive-away price of the current entry-grade ELX.Standard features on the ELX include 17-inch alloy wheels, twin 12.3-inch displays for media and driver instruments, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.There’s also a six-speaker stereo, HID headlights with LED daytime running lights and silver roof rails.Powering the Musso ELX is a 133kW/400Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine with a six-speed automatic. Braked towing capacity is 3500kg.CarsGuide reviewers like the Musso's comfort and space, and its refined driving manners, but didn’t like how some safety items were only offered on top-of-the-range grades. JAC’s T9 arrived in Australia in 2025 and since then the entry-grade Oasis has undergone a price drop of nearly $5000 to land it here in the top three for $42,662 drive-away.Standard features include 18-inch alloys wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a sprayed tub liner and sports bar.There’s leather upholstery inside, a 10.4-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power driver's seat and wireless phone charging.Powering the T9 Oasis is a 125kW/410Nm 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo-diesel. The braked towing capacity is 3200kg. CarsGuide reviewers like the T9’s tough styling, strong value and its ability to do what will please most people. The things we don't like include the lumpy power delivery of the engine, and the intrusive safety tech.