GWM files 16 new patents for Tank sub-brand

The likelihood of an Australian launch for the GWM Tank sub-brand is looking increasingly promising with the Great Wall Motor Company this week filing 16 different patent applications with IP Australia, all revolving around its rugged off-road arm.

The filings come just weeks after a GWM source told carsales the Tank 300 was a real chance Down Under and would pave the way for a product onslaught if given the greenlight.

At this stage though none of the filings refer to a specific model, but rather revolve around the establishment of the brand via four separate filings for the stylised ‘GWM Tank’ name and font, eight for the Tank badge – two variations – and another for four the Tank name (and stylised font).

In a solid sign of GWM Australia’s intent to launch the Tank brand here, each of the applications were submitted under different classes comprising class nine (computer software and tech), 12 (vehicles), 35 (importing and advertising) and 37 (servicing and maintenance).

The prospect of the GWM Tank sub-brand entering the local market has been widely speculated about since March this of this year and has many industry observers and off-roading enthusiasts licking their lips at the prospect of a new family of budget-friendly ladder-frame SUVs with genuine off-road ability.

If all goes according to plan, which these new trademarks indicate is the case, GWM will have a competitor for practically every established off-road player on the market, including the Jeep Wrangler (Tank 300), Toyota Prado (Tank 400) and Toyota LandCruiser (Tank 500).

Combined with the expected launch of its ‘ORA’ electric vehicle sub-brand, GWM appears ready to take on not only to the established ute and 4x4 players, but affordable EVs at the opposite end of the spectrum as well.