GWM’s Ambitious Plan for a New Full-Sized Ute
GWM is preparing to launch a second full-sized ute, which will be its first model capable of directly competing with the big US pick-up trucks on an international scale. These include the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota Tundra. The new ute will feature V8 hybrid power and improved fuel economy, positioning it as a strong contender in the global market.
While North America remains the primary target for this unnamed model, Australia is also on GWM’s radar. The Chinese brand aims to introduce a high-specification dual-cab ute, potentially priced under $100,000, within the next two years. This model will be factory-built in right-hand drive (RHD), unlike the costly remanufactured programs that have made US utes less accessible to Australian consumers.
Key Features and Powertrain Options
The top-tier GWM ute is expected to offer a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that can deliver around 735kW of power and over 1200Nm of torque in its highest tune. Even the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 PHEV option is impressive, with 385kW and about 800Nm of torque. The hybrid electrification offers high economy and low emissions, setting it apart from other full-sized pickup competitors.
Strategic Challenges and Market Considerations
According to GWM Australia Public Relations Manager, Justin Stefani, the company had initially planned to enter the North American market with the big ute by now. However, the 2024 US election and the current administration’s policies on imports, including severe tariffs, have delayed the project. Stefani revealed that the V8 engine was aligned with a future larger pickup truck for the US market, but the uncertainty surrounding tariffs has put the project on hold.
Whether the new GWM ute flagship will have any connection with the brand’s first full-sized pick-up, the King Kong Cannon, is unclear. The King Kong Cannon is primarily a China-only model, featuring 2.0-litre turbo/manual-only powertrains. However, given that the King Kong Cannon was launched in 2021 and is still in production, there could be similarities and carryover parts, especially considering their similar size and dimensions.
Competitive Landscape and Market Gap
The new full-sized pickup will be substantially larger than the existing P500 Cannon Alpha, which is already bigger than the Ford Ranger and most other medium-sized competition. To help offset the costs of bringing the international full-sized pickup to market, GWM is using an all-new separate-chassis architecture that may also support the upcoming Tank 800 three-row 4WD wagon.
With the US market still uncertain, Australia’s role in supporting the big Chinese pickup’s path to production has become more critical. Stefani said that if the plan moves forward, GWM would definitely consider an F-150-sized ute. While the US market entry is on hold, GWM remains committed to exploring opportunities once tariff issues are resolved.
Potential Market Opportunity in Australia
GWM sees a gap in the Australian market, particularly in rural areas. The original and highly successful “Eats Utes for Breakfast” Ram 1500 from the late 2010s vacated its price point after the DS series gave way to the more advanced but expensive DT series. Since then, the least-expensive DT 1500 starts at $109,950 (before on-road costs) for the newly-announced Express Edition. Prices increase significantly for higher trims, with the F-150 XLT SWB starting at $114,950, the Silverado 1500 LTZ Premium at $134,500, and the MY26 Tundra Limited Hybrid at $155,990.
