Australia might be facing a deluge of new Chinese car brands at the moment, with names like Deepal, Geely, Leapmotor and Zeekr all opening showrooms in Canberra over the past 12 months, but it can all be traced back to 2008, with the first to arrive on our shores – Great Wall Motors (GWM).

At the time, 45 dealers signed up to sell its A220 ute, starting from just $19,990, and the more modern V240 ute, priced from $23,990. And they were … very average (and laced with asbestos).

But 17 years on, GWM is an altogether different beast and has revealed serious plans in an attempt to stay ahead (BYD may have been mentioned as its arch-nemesis).

Unveiling the new Tank 500 plug-in hybrid at GWM’s ‘Tech Day’ in Melbourne. Photo: GWM Australia and New Zealand.

At a ‘Tech Day’ in Melbourne this week, head executives told a crowd of media and dealers of its plans to expand to 125 showrooms across the country – while also introducing a new premium Wey brand, a range of new plug-in hybrid engines, and a massive new 3-litre turbo diesel option.

But perhaps most importantly, it’s taken up residence at Holden’s old testing ground to put it all to the test.

The Lang Lang Proving Ground, near Melbourne, is an 877-hectare automotive testing facility established in 1957 by Holden.

Every Holden model since then went through rigorous tests at Lang Lang before it went on sale – sealed sheds which subject cars to temperatures as low as -40 and up to 50 degrees Celsius, rough tracks riddled with potholes, corrugations and speed humps to bring out any squeaks and rattles, and off-road tracks with steep and slippery gradients.

And now, with the help of former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani, GWM will put their cars through the same rigorous testing, becoming the first car brand since Holden to take up permanent residency at the track.

Trubiani also contributed significantly to the development of the last rear-wheel-drive Commodores, the VE and VF models.

Rob Trubiani helped develop the last rear-wheel-drive Commodores. Photo: GWM Australia and New Zealand.

Similar to Kia and Hyundai, which also locally adjust their cars’ suspension for Australia, GWM has recognised that our road conditions are unique (meaning uniquely terrible).

“Australia holds an irreplaceable role at the heart of our global right-hand-drive strategy,” GWM International vice-president James Wang told the room.

“Australia is a proving ground for our technology … With its unique geography and lifestyle, [it] naturally favours the SUV and ute. This has made it the perfect place for us to refine and test our product and technologies.

“We see Australia, not just as a key market, but also as a launch pad for reaching other premium brand markets like Europe and North America.”

At the moment, GWM is made up of several sub-brands you’ve undoubtedly come across on the road.

The Ora name is reserved for its small EV hatchback, Haval specialises in urban run-around SUVs, there’s the Tank 300 and Tank 500 for more serious off-roaders, and finally Cannon for the dual-cab utes.

But from mid-2026, these will be joined by a new one – Wey.

Inside the Wey people mover – proposed for Australia. Photo: GWM.

So far, Wey has been limited to China and the Middle East, but GWM says it’s coming to Australia next year with a large Kia Carnival-sized plug-in hybrid people mover, called the G9. One was on display at the Tech Day, and it’s clear it’s going all out on the luxury feel.

At the same time, GWM is also giving its Toyota-Prado-like Tank 500 a new plug-in hybrid option, which promises up to 100 km of pure electric range and 3 tonnes of towing.

Both the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha ute will also come with the option of a 3-litre turbo diesel engine from the middle of next year, which will be bigger and more powerful than any of GWM’s current diesels.

Executives also confirmed a small electric SUV version of the Ora and hinted that a bigger and burlier Tank model is under consideration for Australia—the V6 petrol plug-in hybrid Tank 700.

The GWM Tank 700 at Lang Lang. Photo: GWM Australia and New Zealand.

Across the range, however, mediocre handling and overly intrusive over-speed, driver monitoring and lane-keeping systems have long been criticisms. It’s hoped Lang Lang will finally change this – and give GWM a leg up over the fierce competition.

“[Trubiani] has been relentless in defining what the true GWM feel should be for our markets, and with the right tools now in place, we’re confident this investment will deliver improved products right here on home soil,” GWM Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer John Kett said.

“With full-time access to Lang Lang now secured, this is far more than symbolic; it’s a statement of intent.”