GWM has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy for Australia at Tech Day 2025, launching two new plug-in hybrid models and announcing plans to expand to 125 dealers nationally. The company also introduced its premium WEY brand and confirmed Australia will be the lead global market for the launch of a new 3.0-litre diesel engine in mid-2026.
The three-day Melbourne event also marked 17 years since GWM commenced Australian operations, making it the country's longest-serving Chinese automotive brand.
The milestone event brought together over 300 of GWM's key partners, dealers, and media from across Australia and around the world. Senior global leadership attended in support, including Parker Shi, President of GWM International; James Yang, Vice President of GWM International; Nicole Wu, Chief Technology Officer; and Richard Zhu, Chief Engineer for Hybrid Systems. Their attendance affirmed GWM's strategic commitment to Australia and New Zealand as key international growth markets.
Technology & Product Highlights
Over the three days, GWM presented its latest breakthroughs in intelligent electrification, anchored by the Hi4 and Hi4-T hybrid systems. These advanced plug-in hybrid powertrains combine electric motors with petrol engines for extended range, reduced emissions and increased performance.
The powertrains featured prominently in the launch of two new models: the all-new Haval H6 AWD PHEV (Hi4) and the all-new Tank 500 PHEV (Hi4-T), illustrating GWM's vision for high-performance, efficient hybrid mobility in both urban and off-road settings without compromise.
GWM's CTO Nicole Wu also made a global announcement: "In mid-2026, GWM will introduce a new 3.0-litre diesel engine for both the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500, with Australia as the debut market. This will expand our powertrain portfolio, offering customers enhanced torque, refinement and choice."
Australian-Tuned Driving Dynamics: AT-1 Program
A highlight of Tech Day 2025 was the debut of GWM's AT-1 program, the locally developed ride and handling initiative led by Rob Trubiani. Guests experienced firsthand the refinements made through this Australian tuning program in both the new Haval H6 and Cannon Alpha.
The AT-1 program delivers targeted improvements in steering calibration and revised suspension dampers, specifically optimised for ANZ driving conditions and customer preferences. GWM formally announced at the event that the latest AT-1 enhancements on these vehicles will enter production in November 2025, demonstrating the company's commitment to tailoring its vehicles for the ANZ market.
Dealer Network Expansion, Sales & Brand Growth
To support its future ambitions, including a stated sales target of 75,000 units and a Top 5 position by 2025, GWM announced a bold expansion plan for its dealer network, targeting 125 dealers nationally. This builds on current coverage and reinforces the company's commitment to deeper market reach, increased customer access and improved aftersales support.
GWM also announced its intention to launch the premium WEY brand in Australia, with the WEY G9 on display at the event. While specific models are yet to be confirmed, the WEY launch forms part of GWM's longer-term aspiration to broaden its range and enter more premium segments in Australia.
Commenting on the announcement, Steve Maciver, GWM Australia Head of Marketing & Communications, said: "Think of WEY as premium, electrified luxury sitting above Haval in the GWM SUV portfolio. A number of models are under consideration, and we look forward to sharing more details soon."
Mr Maciver also reinforced GWM's commitment to brand renewal: "Our new Be More Tank campaign for the newly released Tank 500 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid is the first example of our efforts to bring more meaning, attitude and aspiration to each of our sub-brands. Work on our other sub-brands is already underway, and these efforts, along with initiatives like our recently announced partnership with Richmond Football Club in the AFL, will drive increased awareness and desirability of the GWM Masterbrand and our Haval, Cannon, Tank, Ora and WEY sub-brands."
Strengthening Aftersales & Support
GWM reaffirmed its commitment to exceptional customer ownership experience through targeted investments in aftersales infrastructure, both globally and locally.
A 30,000 sqm Global Parts Centre in Shanghai, opening in January 2026, will bolster global parts access, logistics and responsiveness.
Locally, GWM will invest over $1 million in expanding training and development, ensuring dealer and service teams remain at the forefront of new energy technology.
The company is also implementing strategic enhancements to its nationwide parts distribution network, reducing lead times, and improving parts availability for all dealers while minimising vehicle downtime.
John Kett, GWM's COO for Australia & New Zealand, said: "Tech Day 2025 was a celebration of our journey in Australia, with 17 years of relentless commitment and an exciting preview of the next chapter. With new hybrid technologies, roadmap announcements like the 3.0-litre diesel and WEY brand introduction, coupled with dealer expansion and aftersales investments, GWM is poised to deliver even more value and confidence to our customers and dealers."
Over three days, attendees engaged in immersive drive experiences, technical deep dives and exclusive model previews, all reinforcing GWM's position as Australia's number one Chinese automotive brand. With 17 years of market leadership and a comprehensive roadmap of product, technology and infrastructure investment ahead, GWM is not just responding to the evolving Australian market but actively shaping it.
As the brand continues to grow, its commitment remains unwavering: to deliver smarter, cleaner, more capable vehicles tailored for Australian conditions, backed by world-class customer support and exceptional value.
