GWM gets serious on localised tuning

THE appointment of former General Motors Holden engineer and ride/handling expert Rob Trubiani to GWM is set to change the way the Chinese importer improves the localisation of its vehicles for Australian and New Zealand audiences.

From April 1, Mr Trubiani’s role as Product Engineering Manager will strengthen local engineering efforts with a view to further improving vehicle dynamics and ultimately customer experience across the region, said GWM Australia and New Zealand chief operating officer John Kett.

Speaking with GoAuto at the launch of the GWM Tank 300 Diesel (pictured) in Melbourne this week, Mr Kett said the decision to localise chassis, vehicle dynamics, braking, and the technical integration of ADAS systems through an Australian-based specialist will aid in ensuring future GWM models are better suited to local conditions.

“As we grow as a top 10 brand, to make the next step, we truly need to be assimilating into the driving psyche of Australians,” he said.

“The only way to do that is to address the ride and handling (calibration) of our vehicles.”

Localised ride and handling programs have proved invaluable to importers including Hyundai and Kia in the past, helping those brands to deliver vehicles better suited to not only Australian and New Zealand’s unique mix of road surfaces, but the expectations of local buyers.

GWM Australia and New Zealand managing director Charles Zhao told GoAuto that media feedback on the finer points of chassis and ADAS calibration had not gone unnoticed.

“I read 100 per cent of the reviews from every new model launch. I watch all the videos. I appreciate the feedback,” he said.

“Many of the journalists tell us there are small changes we need to make to perfect our cars, particularly regarding the chassis tune. So, we are determined to do things differently.

“With local help, and with local testing in conjunction with our Chinese-based engineers who come here to test our cars, we can better appreciate how Australian road conditions are different, and how Australian driving habits are different.

“We have so many new models to launch, and this (undertaking) needs to be done as efficiently as possible.”

Mr Zhao said the vast experience Mr Trubiani holds will aid in ensuring not only new models are improved moving forward, but that those already in the market will be revisited, potentially in time for mid-cycle facelifts.

“Even for existing models, I would like him to review (the existing calibration) because I think there are some areas in which we can improve,” he added.

“I would like him to spend some time in models and make those improvements before they launch.”

Echoing the sentiments of his colleagues, GWM Australia and New Zealand head of marketing and communications Steve Maciver said that by ensuring future GWM models are better suited to local roads and driving preferences the brand will be better placed to grow its sales in the region.

“We have a growth ambition. We finished (last year) in number seven, but in order to become bigger, well, we have to earn that,” he said.

“It’s not something that is just going to happen. It is going to come from our product technology investment, and from refining things like ride and handling, and ADAS calibration, to make sure this is the best possible car for Aussie and Kiwi buyers.

“This is part of what it will take to get us there.”

Visit GoAuto again soon for our Australian launch review of the 2025 GWM Tank 300 Diesel.