GWM confirms biggest NZ expansion yet with up to eight new utes, SUVs and EVs

GWM says it will launch up to eight new vehicles in New Zealand before the end of 2026, as the Chinese brand looks to broaden its lineup and push towards becoming one of the country's top-selling carmakers.

The expansion will see GWM add new SUVs, utes, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and diesel models, giving it what it claims will be one of the broadest powertrain portfolios on sale in the New Zealand market.

The rollout comes after a record first half of 2026 in New Zealand for the company, with the brand targeting more than 5000 local sales by the end of the year before setting its sights on breaking into the top five brands by the end of 2027.

Leading the expansion is the recently launched ORA 5 electric SUV, with additional ORA EVs to follow, including a larger mid-size SUV. CarExpert understands the new ORA model will be the ORA 5 Touring EV station wagon, with the potential of a PHEV variant joining the lineup later in 2027

GWM has also confirmed the Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute will arrive in September, joining the existing Cannon Alpha Hi4-T to create what the brand claims will be New Zealand's broadest electrified ute range. The company hasn't yet detailed local specifications or pricing for the new Cannon Hi4-T.

GWM will also introduce a new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 later this year. New Zealand and Australia will be the first global markets to receive the new engine, which was developed with input from local testing and customer feedback. 

The 3.0-litre diesel engine will produce 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, up 35kW and 140Nm on the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four it will replace in the Cannon Alpha. GWM says the new diesel will also deliver improved fuel efficiency and towing capability.

The biggest product offensive will come in the mid-size SUV segment, where GWM will expand from the existing Haval H6 and H6 GT with two all-new nameplates.

The rugged-looking Haval H7 will launch first with a choice of hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Flagship variants will feature front and rear differential locks, which the company says will give the H7 genuine off-road capability, features that are not common in the mainstream mid-size SUV segment.

Later in the year, GWM will introduce the Haval Jolion Max, positioned between the existing Jolion and H6. It will be offered with plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, broadening GWM's electrified SUV range.

By the end of the year, GWM says its New Zealand lineup will span petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles across its SUV and ute ranges.

"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," said GWM New Zealand country manager Cameron Thomas.

"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."

The aggressive expansion follows comments from GWM Australia and New Zealand managing director Andrew Gao, who said Australia and New Zealand are now among the company's three most important international markets.

"We're only at the beginning of our journey in New Zealand and we truly believe the best is yet to come," Mr Gao said.