GWM unveils its broadest product and powertrain expansion plans as a new chapter begins

GWM unveils its broadest product and powertrain expansion plans as a new chapter begins

GWM has unveiled its most ambitious product and technology roadmap to date, confirming a wave of new model launches to close off 2026.

The brand plans to launch up to 8 new models in New Zealand over the next six months.

This expanded portfolio will see the GWM compete with more vehicles, more powertrains and in more segments than at any point in its history, underpinning its ambition to Drive to Top 5 by the end of 2027 while also supporting its longer-term goal of securing a top three position in the New Zealand market by 2030.

The strategy is built on GWM’s full access to GWM’s global product portfolio, spanning virtually every major vehicle segment, powertrain technology and price point. Rather than committing to a single fuel type or customer segment, GWM’s approach starts with the customer at the epicentre and works backwards to the harmonise the technology and vehicle type that best suits their life, work, budget, geography and usage.

Andrew Gao, Managing Director of GWM Australia and New Zealand said “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. ”

"No single technology wins every customer, and no single customer needs every technology," said Cameron Thomas, Country Manager for GWM New Zealand. "Our role is to give customers the freedom to choose the solution that best fits 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."

Thomas said GWM's unprecedented product expansion, built upon record New Zealand’s sales in the first half of 2026, represents only the beginning of the brand's long-term growth strategy, laying the foundation to finish the year with over 5,000 sales and an even stronger 2027.

"This isn't about replacing one customer with another, 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. The momentum we're building today is creating the foundation for the next phase of GWM's growth, and we're incredibly excited about what's ahead." Thomas said.

Electric vehicle expansion begins now

The all-new ORA 5 SUV EV has now launched in New Zealand, and demand has aligned with expectations as record June sales show. As GWM expands the ORA portfolio through 2026, more products including a new ORA5 mid-size SUV to drive GWM’s growth in New Zealand’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle market.

New Zealand’s broadest electrified ute range

In September, GWM will launch the Cannon Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid Ute, a vehicle the brand believes will set a new benchmark for electrified utes in New Zealand by combining advanced plug-in hybrid technology, strong capability and compelling value. Together with the existing Cannon Alpha Hi4-T, GWM will offer New Zealand’s broadest electrified ute portfolio. More details on specifications and pricing on the Cannon Hi4-T will follow soon.

Built for New Zealand

GWM will also introduce its all-new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine across both the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 in the coming months, with ANZ selected as the lead global markets to launch 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. 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.

Three new mid-size SUVs to close off 2026

GWM will enter the next phase of its growth strategy in the Mid-Size SUV segment, one of the two categories along with Dual Cab Utility the brand regards as essential to growth in New Zealand. From Q4 2026, GWM will field three distinct mid-size SUV nameplates across four powertrain technologies with the all-new Haval H7 and Haval Jolion Max to accompany the H6 / H6GT range.

• Haval H7 - Launching first, the all-new Haval H7 will be introduced as completely new model, marking the next chapter in GWM's expanding SUV portfolio. Combining contemporary design with a choice of advanced Hybrid Electric (HEV) and Hi4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, the H7 has been engineered to deliver everyday refinement while delivering genuine capability. Flagship variants equipped with front and rear differential locks provide off-road performance rarely offered in the mid-size SUV segment, giving customers the confidence to venture beyond the city while enjoying the comfort, technology and efficiency expected of a modern family SUV. Positioned to challenge established players, the H7 brings premium capability, electrified performance and genuine off-road credentials to one of New Zealand’s largest and most competitive vehicle categories.
• Haval Jolion Max - Arriving later in the year in both Hi4 Plug-in Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) variants, the all-new Jolion Max will introduce a new entry point into GWM's mid-size SUV range, positioned between the Jolion and the H6. Designed to broaden the brand's electrified SUV offering, Jolion Max combines contemporary styling, advanced technology and everyday practicality with a choice of electrified powertrains to suit a wider range of customers. Its introduction strengthens GWM's commitment to providing New Zealanders with greater choice across hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles, while delivering an accessible, value-driven proposition in one of the country's most competitive vehicle segments.

By the end of 2026, GWM will offer one of the market’s broadest portfolios spanning petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric technologies across the segments that matter most to New Zealand customers.

GWM: delivering across all vehicle types, all powertrains, all fuel types across all budgets

GWM’s unprecedented wave of new model and powertrain introductions in the second half of 2026 marks the beginning of a broader portfolio transformation, establishing an even stronger foundation for the brand's continued growth throughout 2027 and beyond. The expanded range will see GWM further strengthen its presence across the SUV and ute segments, introduce new technologies and powertrains, and continue its move into larger, more premium vehicle categories, while remaining committed to the outstanding value, quality and accessibility that have underpinned the brand's success to date.