Over the past few months, hybrid derivatives of Chinese models have been added to local lineups as the catalyst of a new era offensive. This is just the beginning of the technological leap we can expect from the far east nation.
Surprisingly, the streets of modern Shanghai and its hundreds of high rises are not brimmed with the Chinese models we have become familiar with. Rather, EV-specific automakers that are anonymous to South Africans command sales in the city.
Strict regulation restricts the use of emission-emitting cars on certain days of the week, making them the less popular choice for prospective buyers. The result of this legislation, in addition to a massive tech industry, is the advent of dozens of brands that aren’t readily known to visitors from the outside world that are capitalising on the burgeoning form of mobility.
With a new era dawning, the Chinese brands we are familiar with in South Africa have decided now is the right time to introduce this technology at a competitive price. GWM invited us to the Auto Shanghai motor show to provide an in-the-metal preview of their intentions for the local market.
Firstly, Ora. The retro-styled urban mobility solution will be brought to South Africa by the middle of the year. The EV will be available in 3 derivatives namely the 300, 400 and 400 GT. All endowed with the same powertrain, the numeric values signify range with the GT boasting some sporty bits and bobs on the exterior.
Within the Ora, the lineup is also the Grand Cat which shares aesthetic similarities to the aforementioned hatch. Unconfirmed but on the cards for our market, the sleek and silent model will add to the dwindling sedan lineup available locally. The final model in the Ora lineup is the visual love child of a beetle and PT Cruiser. Ballet as it is known serves as a retro throwback but won’t make its way to South Africa.
Moving closer to familiarity, Haval unveiled the hybrid Max at Shanghai Auto with both 2 and 4-wheel drive offerings that boast a claimed fuel consumption of 5,1 L/100km. With it being a global product, it will eventually arrive on the local market albeit potentially with a different name.
P-Series as we know it will also eventually morph into its own sub-brand focused specifically on bakkies. Before that happens, South Africa will receive a Limited model which boasts solely visual upgrades. The drivetrain will remain unchanged.
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By the end of the year, the P05 bakkie will also add more depth to the lineup as a larger derivative of the already sizeable P-Series. More details can be expected closer to its arrival date. Tank is the next sub-brand that will be ushered into our market for the first time. These will include the 300 and 500 to serve as plush all-terrain vehicles to take on the titans. The former will arrive within three months with a hybrid petrol powertrain. Thereafter, other powertrains may become available to the local market.
By the end of the year, another addition to the lineup will arrive. Touted as a Land Cruiser challenger, the Tank 500 will serve as an unrivalled and plush flagship within the entire GWM stable, potentially wielding a twin-turbocharged petrol V6 under the bonnet for the South African market. This is the beginning of the new energy era for the GWM group, and a Chinese takeover of the South African market.
