Great Wall to return to Australia

GREAT Wall Motors will have a local presence once more, after the budget Chinese brand decided to assume control of its Australian and NZ operations.

4x4 sales have sky-rocketed in Australia in recent months, and Great Wall hopes to cash in on the growing trend with this move.

“As demand for utilities continues to grow, Great Wall Motors decided now was the time to take the brand to the next level by establishing a direct OE presence here,” said GWMA Managing Director, Parker Shi.

Headlining the resurrection on Aussie soil is news that Great Wall will re-enter the market with an all-new Great Wall utility.

The ute is slated to go on sale early in Q4 this year.

At this stage it’s understood the ute line-up will be headed by a 4x4 turbo-diesel mated to a six-speed manual, a Borg-Warner Torque-On-Demand (TOD) intelligent four-wheel drive system and an Eaton diff lock.

Safety features will include ESP and six airbags as standard. But let’s just hope it bucks the trend of Chinese SUVs (Haval H9) and delivers a five-star ANCAP safety rating!

Great Wall HQ will be based in Melbourne alongside sister company Haval Motors Australia.

“Great Wall will focus on light commercial vehicles, with Haval concentrating on SUVS,” Mr Shi said.

“We are confident this strategy will allow both companies to dedicate their resources into the two fastest growing segments in the Australian automotive market.”

Pricing for the new Great Wall range is yet to be released, so stay tuned to 4X4 Australia to find out first when it drops!