China’s GWM announces huge electric attack, Aussies set to benefit
The Chinese manufacturer GWM (Great Wall Motors) has announced an aggressive rollout of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles.
It says it wants to have 50 electrified models in its line-up by 2050 and it’s already made a start on the goal, with roughly 15 launched in China so far.
And Australian buyers seem set to get the chance to consider buying a fair chunk of the models on the rollout list because Australia is considered a strategic market for the auto giant.
GWM, which is already represented in Australia by the GWM Ute and Haval SUV brands will also soon add the Ora EV specialist and Tank off-road brands to its local line-up.
GWM made its product rollout announcement at the Paris motor show today, where it also launched the Next Ora Cat EV and displayed two PHEVs from its premium SUV brand Wey, the Coffee 01 and Coffee 02.
The Wey brand is not under consideration for Australia.
The Next has already been launched in China as the Lightning Cat and is expected to be the second Ora on-sale in Australia after the small hatchback known as the Good Cat in China and Funky Cat in the UK.
The aggressive plan was outlined in Paris by GWM’s head of European markets Henry Meng under the slogan “Revolution is On”.
“In 2023, we will complete our first zero-carbon emission factory,” he said in a press release.
“By 2025, we will launch more than 50 new energy models. Currently, we are already testing our first hydrogen vehicles, powered by fuel cells.
“We are also supporting the use of renewable and clean energy wherever possible by introducing solar charging stations to the markets. In addition, we are reusing and recycling residual heat and energy and taking advantage of recycled water.
“We are looking not only for economic benefits but also to make a sustainable future for our employees and customers. Because climate change is something we all must work to stop. Together.”
The Next is a 300kW/680Nm dual-motor five-door coupe with a claimed 430km range courtesy of an NCM Lithium battery pack that has an 80kW maximum DC recharging rate.
GWM Ora claims the Next can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds, reach a top speed of 180km/h and has an average consumption rate of 20.5kWh/100km.
The Next measures up at 4871mm long, 1862mm wide and 1500mm high with a 2700mm wheelbase.
Weighing in at a porky 220kg, the Next Ora Cat rolls on 19-inch wheels and tyres, has frameless windows, a smart tailgate with spoiler and a domed panoramic sunroof.
Inside there is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch central screen, an 11-speaker sound system, a 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control and sports seats with massage, heating and ventilation functions.
Tech features include sensorless entry and start, remote control via smartphone app and a super sport button on the steering wheel.
The Coffee 01 has an electric range up to 150km while the 02 has a 130km range.
