GWM plans about eight Australian product launches before mid-2027

Eight products in the latest Australian timetable

GWM Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer John Kett says the company has about eight new products to launch in Australia before mid-2027. Speaking to CarExpert at September’s Everything Electric show in Sydney, he also indicated that the next phase of the Tank range would come into view in the final quarter of 2026. ¹

That is a different count and timeframe from the plan GoAuto reported in July: nine new or substantially updated Australian models during the second half of 2026. GoAuto was still referring to that programme in its September Haval H7 report. Kett’s later figure extends into 2027, but the two accounts do not establish a revised model-by-model schedule or confirm that a launch has been cancelled. ¹⁴⁷

The Australian figure is separate from plans in other right-hand-drive markets. CarExpert reports that GWM South Africa is planning 14 product launches over 18 months; models offered there could be candidates for Australia, but that does not make them confirmed local arrivals. GWM’s July New Zealand announcement separately proposed up to eight new models there over the following six months. ¹²

Haval and Ora additions

The most clearly timed Australian arrival is a replacement Haval H7, which GoAuto reports is due in showrooms from mid-October. GWM says conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions will be available from launch, both with Hi4 all-wheel drive, and has indicated a starting price below $50,000 drive-away. Final Australian prices, grades, equipment, battery specifications and fuel-consumption figures were still to be announced when GoAuto reported the timing in September. ⁷

The new H7 replaces the front-wheel-drive model introduced in Australia in August 2025. GoAuto says Australian certification documents point to a 1500kg braked towing capacity for both new powertrains, while reported system outputs of 240kW for the hybrid and 320kW for the plug-in hybrid had not been formally confirmed as Australian specifications. GWM has flagged front and rear differential locking capability for flagship variants. GoAuto also reports that a longer seven-seat H7 is on the local roadmap for 2027, following the initial five-seat models. ⁷

The Haval Jolion Max is planned to sit between the Jolion and H6 with plug-in hybrid and battery-electric choices. GoAuto’s July account placed it later in 2026, after the H7. Kett subsequently told CarExpert an early-2027 Australian launch was probable, with vehicles possibly reaching dealerships for test drives over Christmas. ¹⁴

The Ora 5 electric SUV is also set to gain hatch and larger Touring body styles. CarExpert’s September report expects both to go on sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2027, later than the additional Ora arrivals described in its July account. The September report says an Ora 5 sedan is being assessed for Australia; it is not a confirmed local model. ⁵⁸

Utes and diesel power

GWM’s ute additions include the Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid, joining the larger Cannon Alpha Hi4-T, and a more off-road-focused Cannon Alpha XSR. CarExpert reports an introductory $47,990 drive-away price for the Cannon plug-in hybrid for eligible ABN buyers. That conditional drive-away offer is not a general list price. ¹⁴

A separate, non-hybrid 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel is being introduced in the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500. CarExpert reports outputs of 170kW and 620Nm, with peak torque available from 1400 to 2400rpm. The engine is distinct from the plug-in hybrid ute powertrain and the Tank 300’s 2.4-litre diesel. GWM says Australian customer feedback and driving conditions informed its development; improved efficiency and towing confidence are manufacturer claims. ⁵⁶

Diesel-hybrid technology remains a separate possibility, not an announced Australian Cannon variant. CarExpert reports that Kett discussed its potential in body-on-frame vehicles, including utes, without establishing a local launch date. Kett has linked the 3.0-litre diesel and Cannon plug-in hybrid additions to GWM’s ambition to reach Australia’s top five brands by sales. ¹⁶

Tank, Wey and future powertrains

Kett has told CarExpert that GWM plans to offer a V8 in Australia sometime in 2027, most likely in a Tank model, without identifying the vehicle. CarExpert reports that GWM chairman Jack Wei has confirmed a future V8 for the Tank 700, although neither the Tank 700 nor Tank 400 has been locked in for Australia. CarExpert separately reports that the larger Tank 800 is confirmed for Australia and scheduled for 2027; that does not establish it as the local V8 model. ¹

GWM also plans to introduce its premium Wey brand in Australia. GoAuto’s July account placed its arrival before the end of 2026 and described a move into large SUVs and people movers. CarExpert subsequently described a soft launch this year and said up to three models could arrive, identifying the Wey G9 people mover and Blue Mountain SUV as possibilities rather than a settled Australian line-up. ¹⁴

Sales behind the expansion

GWM passed 250,000 cumulative Australian sales in 2026, GoAuto reported in August, after recording 52,809 sales in 2025. GoAuto recorded 4870 deliveries in August 2026. CarExpert put GWM’s sales for the first eight months of the year at 39,747, placing it seventh; fifth-placed Mazda had recorded 53,163 over the same period. GWM’s top-five position remains a target, not a ranking it has achieved. ¹³⁷