GWM backs government’s NVES proposal

GWM Australia has joined several other importers in throwing its support behind the government’s proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at this week’s launch of its new Tank 500 in Melbourne.

Speaking to Australian and New Zealand media gathered for the event, GWM Australia head of marketing Steve MacIver said the government’s NVES proposal is suited to the range of electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles available to the importer.

“We welcome any standards that allow more fuel-efficient choices to be available to Australian customers – that’s the bottom line,” he said.

“The devil, of course, is in the detail. We don’t know what the final judgement is going to be, but we do believe that GWM is well placed with the range of vehicles that we have available (to meet the NVES targets).

“Obviously, when we understand the final outcome of the legislation, we will study more closely the need to offer other technologies such as plug-in hybrid.”

Mr MacIver said the level of investment in low- and zero-emissions technology made by GWM is substantial and will ensure vehicles offered both here and in other markets – irrespective of size or duty – will meet tightening global emissions and efficiency regulations.

“I can confidently say that the level of investment into powertrain technology is impressive, and it is what gives us the confidence to stand here today and say that we think we are going to be relatively well-equipped to offer the right powertrain choices once we understand what the efficiency standards look like,” he added.

GWM already offers electric vehicles under its Ora sub-brand locally, and hybrid electric vehicles within both its Haval SUV and Tank off-road lines.

The incoming Tank 500 large SUV will also enter with a hybridised petrol driveline, bringing a new alternative to a segment currently dominated by turbocharged diesel models.

The Chinese importer is also expected to offer a petrol-electric hybrid utility in Australia within months, the Cannon Alpha dual-cab understood to offer capabilities matching those of the current best-selling four-wheel drive models, but with far greener under bonnet credentials.

That vehicle, and others in the GWM range, may also be offered with a plug-in hybrid alternative should the need arise.

“It is something we can look at,” Mr MacIver said of plug-in hybrid powertrains available in models offered in other markets.

“It is not necessarily available for us to take right here today if we want, but it is under consideration in the longer term. We have got a number of vehicles that are available in overseas markets that may become available for the Australian and New Zealand region moving forward.

“Those cars, for example, include the H6 GT plug-in hybrid and the Tank 500 plug-in hybrid. Now, they may not necessarily be right for our market and for our customers today.

“We do know that the uptake of plug-in hybrids has been slow in this market for a number of different reasons.

“However, with the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards coming, we will have to sit down as a company and work out exactly what the implications of that are and what that means – and that is what we are doing right now.”