- GWM recently held its 'GWM Tech Day 2025' event in Melbourne, Australia for dealers and media.
- The event featured a number of reveals across its three days, including the launch of two new models.
- GWM's luxury Wey brand was also confirmed for a local launch.
GWM, New Zealand and Australia's longest-serving Chinese automotive brand, recently held its lavish three-day Tech Day 2025 event in Melbourne, Australia marking 17 years since it started operations in both markets.
The company rolled out an ambitious growth strategy for Australia and New Zealand, confirming its status as a key international market for the global brand. The event saw top global brass in attendance, 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.
The main focus of the event was GWM’s commitment to "intelligent electrification" with the company's Hi4 and Hi4-T hybrid systems being the focus. These plug-in hybrid powertrains mix electric motors with petrol engines to achieve extended range, reduced emissions, and higher performance.
Guests saw the launch of two new models utilising this tech: the Haval H6 AWD PHEV (Hi4) and the Tank 500 PHEV (Hi4-T), showcasing the company's vision for efficient hybrid mobility in both urban and off-road environments.
But GWM didn't just talk electric. In a major global announcement, CTO Nicole Wu confirmed that Australia will be the debut market for a powerful new 3.0-litre diesel engine. Slated for launch in mid-2026, this engine will be available for both the Cannon Alpha and the Tank 500.
GWM also demonstrated its dedication to local optimisation with the debut of the AT-1 program, a locally developed ride and handling initiative, led by former Holden ride and handling guru Rob Trubiani, designed specifically for ANZ driving conditions and customer preferences.
The program focuses on targeted improvements, including steering calibration and revised suspension dampers. Production of the latest AT-1 enhancements for the Haval H6 and Cannon Alpha is set to begin in November 2025.
On the brand front, GWM announced its intention to move upmarket with the launch of the premium Wey brand in New Zealand and Australia. While the company says that specific models are still under review, the Wey G9 people mover was on hand at the event, giving a taste of things to come.
"Think of Wey as premium, electrified luxury sitting above Haval in the GWM SUV portfolio," said Steve Maciver, GWM Australia Head of Marketing & Communications. "A number of models are under consideration, and we look forward to sharing more details soon."
GWM also reaffirmed its commitment to "exceptional customer ownership experience" through major investments in aftersales infrastructure. This includes the opening of a massive 30,000 sqm Global Parts Centre in Shanghai in January 2026 to bolster worldwide parts access.
Locally, the company says it is investing more than AU$1 million in expanding training and development for dealer and service teams, focusing on new energy technology, while also enhancing its nationwide parts distribution network to reduce lead times and minimise vehicle downtime.
"Tech Day 2025 was a celebration of our journey in Australia and New Zealand, with 17 years of relentless commitment and an exciting preview of the next chapter," said John Kett, GWM's COO for Australia and New Zealand.
"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."
