GWM has reached a significant milestone in Australia, selling its 200,000th vehicle. This achievement occurred late last week after more than 16 years of operation in the Australian market. The vehicle marking this milestone was a Fossil Grey Tank 300, sold in Victoria by South Morang GWM Haval.
This landmark event comes just 27 months after GWM hit the 100,000 mark in March 2023. The company’s sales have surged rapidly over the past three years, with a record of 25,189 sales in the first half of 2025. This performance has propelled GWM to seventh place overall in the Australian automotive market, its highest position to date, and it is on track for a record annual result of 50,000 units by the end of the year.
GWM’s Growth and Future Plans
Steve Maciver, head of marketing and communications at GWM Australia, emphasized the importance of the Australian market, stating, “Australia is becoming a significant cornerstone of our global operations.” He highlighted the company’s ongoing investments, including recent product localization efforts led by former Holden engineer Rob Trubiani and the establishment of a presence at the Lang Lang Proving Ground.
The rapid growth of GWM is reflective of a broader trend among Chinese automotive brands in Australia. For instance, BYD has recorded 62,971 vehicle deliveries since entering the market in 2022, while MG has surpassed 200,000 sales since its relaunch in 2013 under Chinese ownership, reaching a cumulative total of 224,731 sales by the end of 2024. Despite these impressive figures, GWM still faces stiff competition from market leader Toyota, which sold a record 241,296 vehicles last year—more than double that of Ford, the second-place competitor, with 100,170 sales.
GWM is expanding its model lineup with the introduction of the mid-size Haval H7 SUV this month and the Tank 500 PHEV anticipated to hit showrooms in October. Additionally, the company plans to introduce several electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of next year, complementing the existing Ora hatchback. GWM has also hinted at the development of a supercar, although its availability in Australia remains unconfirmed.
A Brief History of GWM in Australia
Founded in 2009, GWM began its Australian operations through Sydney-based importer Ateco, which also represents brands such as Ram Trucks, LDV, and Renault. The company moved to direct operations in 2016. One of its first offerings, the V240 dual-cab ute, set the stage for today’s GWM Cannon. This model featured a 2.4-litre petrol engine and was known for its payload capacity and towing capabilities.
GWM was among the first Chinese automotive brands to enter the Australian market, paving the way for others, though some brands withdrew early on and have not returned. In contrast, others like Chery exited but later re-entered with more success. GWM’s SUV brand, Haval, was introduced in 2015 with models such as the H2, H8, and H9, marking a notable shift towards a more premium offering compared to the budget models initially associated with the Great Wall brand.
Over the years, GWM has restructured its branding, now offering vehicles from the Haval, Ora, and Tank brands under the GWM umbrella, although certain models retain unique badging. This strategic approach has allowed GWM to solidify its presence in the competitive Australian automotive landscape.
The recent sales milestone not only underscores GWM’s growth but also reflects the increasing acceptance of Chinese automotive brands in Australia. As the company continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it is poised to play a crucial role in the evolving automotive market.
