Marque’s model offensive
GWM New Zealand has announced plans to launch up to eight new models before the end of the year, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute and three mid-size SUVs.
The company says expanding its portfolio will lead to it competing with more vehicles, more powertrains and in more segments than before.
The flurry of activity for the coming months is also part of GWM’s ambition to be in New Zealand’s top five brands for new vehicles by the end of 2027 and the top three by 2030.
Andrew Gao, managing director of GWM Australia and New Zealand, says: “The ANZ region is now one of GWM Group’s top three strategic international markets. As such, we’ll continue investing our best products, technologies and resources into the region.
“We’re only at the beginning of our journey in New Zealand and we truly believe the best is yet to come.”
Cameron Thomas, pictured, country manager for GWM New Zealand, adds the company aims to give consumers powertrain solutions that best fit their lives, whether that’s petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric.
“We’re not building a strategy around the business we have today. We’re building a strategy around the business we are becoming,” he continues.
Among the new offerings for 2026 will be extra models in the Ora portfolio, including an Ora 5 mid-size SUV.
In September, GWM is set to release the Cannon Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid Ute, which it says will combine advanced plug-in hybrid technology, strong capability and compelling value.
An all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine is on its way for the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 in the coming months, with Australia and New Zealand selected as the lead global markets for launching the powertrain.
“Developed with customer feedback across ANZ, local testing and local driving conditions at its core, the new engine delivers increased power and torque while improving fuel efficiency, providing greater towing confidence, touring capability and everyday drivability,” says GWM.
“The introduction of the new powertrain will further strengthen GWM’s ability to meet the evolving needs of Kiwi customers by offering a purpose-built diesel solution across its ute and large SUV line-up.”
Also contributing to the company’s expansion strategy this year will be three new mid-size SUVs, one of the categories the brand regards as essential to growth in New Zealand.
From the fourth quarter of this year, GWM will field three distinct nameplates across four powertrain technologies with the all-new Haval H7 and Haval Jolion Max to accompany the H6/H6GT range.
The Haval H7 will be first off the blocks when it is introduced as a new model and will feature advanced hybrid electric (HEV) and Hi4 PHEV powertrains.
GWM notes flagship variants equipped with front and rear differential locks provide off-road performance rarely offered in the segment.
The Haval Jolion Max will come both Hi4 PHEV and BEV variants and provide a new entry point into GWM's mid-size SUV range, positioned between the Jolion and the H6.
Thomas said GWM NZ’s plans to increase its model range will build upon record sales in the first half of 2026 as it targets more than 5,000 sales for the full year.
“This isn’t about replacing one customer with another,” he explains. “It’s about giving more Kiwis a reason to choose GWM and ensuring they can continue to choose GWM as their needs evolve.
“By the end of 2026, we’ll have one of the market’s most comprehensive portfolios, offering more models, more technologies and more powertrain choices than ever before.
“That puts us in an even stronger position heading into 2027 as we continue our Drive to Top 5 journey and build towards becoming one of New Zealand’s leading automotive brands.”
