GWM chairman takes aim at other Chinese car brands

Of all the Chinese car brands in Australia, GWM is one of the “most outstanding”, according to the brand’s chairman, who attributes its growth to a broad powertrain strategy and lessons learnt from legacy brands like Toyota.

Speaking to Australian media, GWM chairman Jack Wei said the brand is focussed on long-term development both Down Under and globally, rather than short-term growth.

“Unlike some Chinese brands that focus only on new energy vehicles like PHEV or EV, we focus on powertrain diversity,” he said.

“We are learning from Toyota globally, not just in Australia.”

GWM hasn’t homed in on just one type of power source – instead, taking a multi-powertrain approach across its range of SUVs and utes.

It’s also introducing more of the exact type of powertrain other manufacturers are backing out of, as emissions regulations grow ever stricter.

That includes a new V8 for the Tank 700 large SUV, a supercar with a twin-turbo V8 hybrid and a new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel to take on the Ford Ranger’s V6.

A range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid diesels are also promised, with Wei saying diesel shouldn’t be classified as “dirty”, even though he admits it produces “higher particulate emissions compared to petrol”.

“[I am] very confident that among Chinese brands, GWM is one of the most outstanding, especially as a privately owned company rather than a state-owned one.”

The need for multiple powertrain options comes down to different requirements for different markets, says Wei.

“This is important because different regions have different needs. For example, in Russia, EV is not suitable due to the cold climate, and in Brazil infrastructure is not yet sufficient.”

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