GWM is already having some of its new vehicles tested on Australia roads to ensure they suit local conditions, but a further announcement is imminent.
Speaking with CarExpert, GWM Australia head of marketing and communications Steve Maciver said the way it currently locally tests a car’s suspension and advanced drive assist system (ADAS) tune is by having Chinese engineers come to Australia.
GWM cars that have been locally tuned include the Cannon dual-cab ute, Haval H6 GT PHEV, as well as the forthcoming Cannon Alpha PHEV.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
He then said the company is very close to announcing a dedicated Australian tuning team, which will potentially be closer to what Hyundai and Kia currently offers.
“I’m not able to share too many details … just yet, but I can confirm today that we are investing in local engineering and tuning that may take a couple of different forms,” he said.
“I can confirm today, [that] we’re well advanced in discussions with personnel and with partners to start that program happening within the coming weeks.
“The reason that we wanted to talk about it today was that internally, we are making some moves, and we’re … close to being able to announce stuff in the coming weeks as to exactly where that sat.
“We felt it was appropriate to say … in terms of where we see this growth coming from, one of the many things we’re doing is to be investing in that local development.
“So it’s too early to say exactly what that looks like, but there are a couple of options of the table that we’re very, very far advanced with in terms of conversations.”
Hyundai and Kia currently have local engineering and tuning teams that create dedicated Australian steering and suspension tunes for our road conditions.
It’s unclear if GWM will be heading down the same path with its forthcoming announcement.
Despite holding the local media launch of the updated GWM Cannon at Holden’s old proving ground in Lang Lang, Victoria, Mr Maciver did confirm the company doesn’t wish to purchase the facility from Vietnamese carmaker Vinfast.
GWM is on a hot streak in terms of sales volume in Australia. Last year it achieved its sixth consecutive record-breaking annual sales figure with 42,782 vehicles delivered.
This year it’s not planning to slow down with seven new or updated model launches planned. It’s also planning to scale up its dealer network from 113 to “around 125” by the start of 2026.
MORE: Everything GWM
