Great Wall Motor officially launch GWM and Haval brands in PH

Great Wall Motor calls its launch the 'Generation Next' of vehicles. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

In October last year, news broke out about the Luxuriant Automotive Group bringing in cars made by Great Wall Motor. Now, the Chinese car company has officially gone live, starting with two brands and three models.

It seems that subcompact crossovers are the cars of choice for the young, stylish, and hip. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

The Haval Jolion is a subcompact crossover aimed at a younger audience, with features like uniquely shaped LED lights, a distinctive Star Matrix front grille, sharp 18-inch wheels, a 10.25- or 12.3-inch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a wireless charging pad, and a panoramic sunroof.

It's also available as a hybrid model. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

It comes with a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission producing 141hp and 220Nm, as well as a 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain with a maximum combined output of 186hp and 375Nm.

These are the variants with the introductory prices:

• Jolion DCT Plus – P998,000
• Jolion DCT Max – P1,128,000
• Jolion DCT Supreme – P1,248,000
• Jolion HEV DHT Supreme – P1,588,000

The Haval H6 is available exclusively as a self-charging hybrid. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

The Haval H6 is a premium compact hybrid crossover. As a family mover, it’s equipped with a plethora of safety systems and is loaded with such tech features as a heads-up display and a large 10.25- or 12.3-inch center touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Being a family car, the H6 features a premium interior and a suite of safety systems. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

This is GWM’s first car to use its Global Intelligent Modular Technology Platform, which allows vehicles to run with different powertrains, whether ICE, HEV, BEV, or even hydrogen power.

This has a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine with a hybrid system mated to a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). It has a maximum output of 240hp and 530Nm.

The following are the introductory prices:

• H6 HEV Max – P1,788,000
• H6 HEV Supreme – P1,883,000

GWM also has a pickup truck of its own called the Cannon. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

For those who need a sturdy cargo hauler with lots of features, there’s the GWM Cannon.

This pickup is available either as 4×2 or 4×4, and is powered by a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine producing 161hp and 400Nm. It comes with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Tough on the outside but luxurious on the inside. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

Its all-terrain capability is provided by a BorgWarner Torque On Demand transfer case, as well as an electronic rear differential lock.

These are the variants and their introductory prices:

• Cannon Pilot 4×2 – P998,000
• Cannon Pilot 4×4 – P1,118,000
• Cannon Lux 4×2 – P1,198,000
• Cannon Lux 4×4 – P1,318,000
• Cannon SLux 4×2 – P1,358,000
• Cannon SLux 4×4 – P1,498,000

Great Wall Motor is a Chinese manufacturer worth keeping an eye out for. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

After-sales service includes 24-hour customer service (including roadside assistance), a five-year or 150,000km warranty (whichever comes first), and an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for the hybrid components (hybrid battery, motor, and motor controller).

GWM Philippines has its first dealership at UN Avenue in Manila (currently on its soft opening), and you can see its vehicles in the metal at the 2023 Manila International Auto Show from April 13- 16.

The brand promises that it will deliver feature-packed cars with premium quality at “real-world prices.” Do you think it has a chance with the onslaught of other Chinese car companies in the Philippine market?