Chinese Automaker GWM to Introduce Haval SUV Brand in the UK
The Chinese company that introduced the Ora Funky Cat is expanding its product portfolio in the UK by bringing its SUV brand, Haval, to the market next year. The move is aimed at providing customers with a wider range of options at competitive prices.
In 2022, Great Wall Motor launched the Ora brand in the UK with the electric hatchback, which was renamed the GWM Ora 03 last year. The company is now looking to enhance its overall product offering by introducing the Haval brand to the UK market.
As part of the rebranding process, GWM will now be known simply as GWM in the UK. All dealerships will undergo a transformation in February, coinciding with the arrival of the first Haval model, the Jolion Pro.
The Jolion Pro is a hybrid SUV that competes with vehicles like the Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sorento in terms of size but offers a more affordable price point, starting at £23,995.
Under the hood, the Jolion Pro is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor integrated into a seven-speed automatic gearbox, delivering a combined output of 188bhp and 277lb ft of torque. The vehicle boasts a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and achieves an average fuel economy of 55mpg.
Inside, the cabin features a minimalist design with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, and a panel of physical buttons below the screen. Additional controls can be found on the steering wheel and centre console.
GWM has reported that the Jolion Pro has been highly successful in markets like Australia, and the company is optimistic about its prospects in the UK market. With only 3000 units of the Funk Cat/Ora 03 sold since its launch, GWM is looking to expand its presence by offering a new range of hybrid SUVs.
Like many other car manufacturers, GWM is focusing on hybrids as a way to boost sales in the face of declining demand for electric vehicles in Europe. The introduction of the Haval brand in the UK is expected to further strengthen GWM’s position in the market and attract a wider range of customers.
