GWM Cannon News

So far in 2025, China’s GWM has been setting new sales records again and again despite the overall new car market cooling down.Momentum for the Chinese brand has been gaining slowly but surely and it’s now setting its sights on sustaining a top five placement by 2030.In order to do this it would likely see GWM topple brands like Mitsubishi and Hyundai, as well as another established Chinese brand in the shape of MG.Earlier this year the Chinese carmaker set a lofty target of selling at least 50,000 new cars in Australia during 2025.In the first six months of 2025, the brand has sold a total of 25,189 new vehicles, which puts it on track to achieve its target. This is helped by GWM achieving its best ever monthly sales in June.GWM is the seventh best-selling brand in Australia so far in 2025.It’s ahead of brands like MG (21,674 sales) and Isuzu Ute (21,883 sales) but still behind Mitsubishi (33,379 sales).BYD (23,335 sales) is catching up quickly, however, with astronomical year-on-year growth of 144.6 per cent. For context, GWM’s year-to-date sales are up 17 per cent year-on-year.Rounding out 2025, GWM plans to sell a total of around 8000 examples of the Haval H6 in the second half, bringing total annual sales to 15,000.A mid-life updated version of the Haval H6 just launched in Australia. Initially only hybrid variants are available, though petrol versions are arriving in August and new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants are launching in September.Beyond the Haval H6, GWM is launching a vast number of new vehicles in Australia.The Chinese carmaker has confirmed the Haval H7 is launching in August and the Tank 500 PHEV is arriving in October.Beyond these, GWM Australia and New Zealand Chief Operating Officer John Kett said the company is expecting to have a total of three electric vehicles (EVs) on sale by the end of September 2026.One of those will likely be the Ora hatchback, which is set to get an update soon. Another could be the Ora Sport liftback that’s been earmarked for a local launch for years now and the other could be a production version of the Haval Xiaolong SUV prototype.

GWM confirms new 3.0-litre diesel to live alongside new 4.0-litre V8 in high-end Tank and Cannon products for the Australian market.

While the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max are still hugely popular, the established order in the Australian ute market continues to be challenged by newer brands and models like the BYD Shark 6, JAC T9 and GWM Cannon. And on the back of the recent launch of a significantly upgraded 2.4-litre turbo-diesel version of its Cannon ute, GWM has this week announced a range expansion with additional body styles, model grades and powertrain options to further dial up the competitive pressure.Initially left out of the updated line-up, an entry-level Premium grade has been reinstated, with 2.0-litre turbo-diesel power and an eight-speed auto transmission in 4x2 Single Cab Chassis (with tray) at $35,490, drive-away, or 4x4 Dual Cab utility form for $39,490, D/A. Previous range entry-point was $41,490, D/A for the Lux Dual Cab.At the same time, a 4x4 Dual Cab Chassis (with tray) will be offered in Lux trim, with the larger 2.4-litre engine at $42,490 D/A. For context, entry to the Ford Ranger line-up starts with the XL Single Cab (125kW/405Nm 2.0L) at $36,880, before on-road costs. Toyota’s HiLux range kicks off with the Workmate Single Cab Hi-Rider manual (110kW/400Nm 2.4L) at $32,970, BOC. And the plug-in hybrid BYD Shark 6 is offered in a single (321kW/650Nm 1.5L) Double Cab model for $57,900, BOC. GWM has confirmed the Cannon Premium’s 2.0-litre/eight-speed auto combination is “a direct carryover from the previous model” with outputs of 120kW/400Nm and maximum braked trailer towing capacity of 3.2 tonnes unchanged.And the reemergence of the smaller powerplant delivers a worthwhile fuel efficiency advantage with official combined (urban/extra-urban) figures of 7.6L/100km (single cab) and 8.1L/100km (dual cab). For reference, the 135KW/480Nm 2.4-litre dual cab comes in at 8.4L/100km.According to GWM, the Single Cab Chassis variant features a 240mm wheelbase extension (3470mm vs 3230mm) to “improve load distribution and vehicle dynamics” and a higher load capacity (1150kg vs 995kg) thanks in no small part to its leaf spring live axle rear suspension.Standard equipment on the Premium includes 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, single-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch media touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), four-speaker audio, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, auto rain-sensing wipers and paddle shifters.There’s also auto LED headlights (with DRLs and auto levelling), auto high beam, fog lights (with steering illumination), side steps, keyless entry, underbody protection, seven airbags (including a front centre bag), a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, trailer sway control, tyre pressure monitoring and more.And GWM is keen to push its seven-year/unlimited km warranty, five years roadside assistance offer and five-year capped price servicing program.So, shots fired, and it’s surely only a matter of time until others in the boiling hot ute market retaliate. Stand by.

The Ford Ranger might have found itself back on top of Australia’s sales charts in March, but a dig into the numbers reveal cracks in the sales ambitions of the Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.

Why GWM is committed to staying affordable despite rivals increasing in price.

GWM local ride and handling program to kick off this year, may also incorporate ADAS systems improvements.

Every new Chinese auto brand that launches in Australia has bold ambitions and even bolder sales targets. Some claim they want to be the top brand in Australia, others declare they will usurp much-loved brands in the top 10 sales charts in nothing flat.