In recent months, hybrid derivatives of Chinese models have been added to local lineups as a catalyst for a new-age offensive. This is just the beginning of the technological leap we can expect from the Far Eastern nation.
Surprisingly, the streets of modern Shanghai and its hundreds of skyscrapers are not filled with the Chinese models we have become familiar with. Rather, EV-specific automakers that are anonymous to South Africans have sales in the city.
Strict regulation restricts the use of emission-emitting cars on certain days of the week, making them the least popular choice for potential buyers. The result of this legislation, in addition to a massive technology industry, is the arrival of dozens of brands that are not easily known to visitors from the outside world who are taking advantage of the growing form of mobility.
With the arrival of a new era, the Chinese brands we know in South Africa have decided that now is the right time to introduce this technology at a competitive price. GWM invited us to the Shanghai Motor Show to provide a preview in the metal of its intentions for the local market.
First of all, Ora. The retro-style urban mobility solution will arrive in South Africa mid-year. The EV will be available in 3 derivatives, the 300, 400 and 400 GT. All equipped with the same powertrain, the numerical values mean the range with the GT with some sporty elements and bobs on the outside.
Inside the Ora, the formation is also the Grand Cat which shares aesthetic similarities with the aforementioned hatch. Unconfirmed, but on the cards for our market, the sleek and quiet model will add to the dwindling lineup of sedans available locally. The final model of the Ora line is the visual love child of a Beetle and PT Cruiser. Ballet, as it’s known, serves as a retro throwback, but it won’t be coming to South Africa.
Approaching familiarity, Haval introduced the Max hybrid at Shanghai Auto with 2- and 4-wheel drive offerings boasting a fuel consumption of 5.1L/100km. Since it is a global product, it will eventually reach the local market albeit potentially under a different name.
The P Series as we know it will also eventually evolve into its own sub-brand focused specifically on bakkies. Before that happens, South Africa will receive a limited model that only features visual updates. The transmission will remain unchanged.
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Later this year, the P05 bakkie will also add further depth to the line-up as a larger derivative of the already important P series. More details can be expected closer to its arrival date. Tank is the next sub-brand to be introduced to 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 first will arrive in three months with a gasoline hybrid engine. From there, other powertrains may be available in the local market.
At the end of the year, another addition to the training will arrive. Billed as a Land Cruiser challenger, the Tank 500 will serve as a flagship and unrivaled flagship within the entire GWM stable, possibly with a twin-turbo V6 petrol under the hood 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.
