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FiestaST
Honorary Master
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2009
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DRIVEN: What's the new Hilux-rivalling GWM P-Series bakkie like on SA roads?
Perception and position are the two keywords that come to mind at the launch of the all-new Great Wall Motors (GWM) P-Series pickup – a hefty range consisting of 16 distinct variants.
Perception comes from the belief Chinese products are inferior. However, as the largest Chinese automaker and an exporter to many countries around the world where it has to comply with safety and quality specifications far more stringent than our own, this is not like a ‘Made in China’ item such as those infesting tourist souvenir shops.
The perception portion was also heightened by the announcement the day prior to the launch the old Steed bakkie had scored zero in the AASA/NCAP crash test ratings. This is not the place to discuss those results but just to say the new P-Series represents a quantum leap upwards in safety standards.
Position plays it role in how GWM, through local operation, Haval Motors South Africa, has pitched the product – dividing it into two groups, Commercial and Passenger, even giving them different front grille designs.
In China, GWM has held a market share of between 24% and 31% since 2010, but since the P-Series launch late in 2019, that figure jumped to 42% and then again to 54% in 2020 – more than double its closest rival.
In South Africa more than 50 000 GWM bakkies have been sold since 2007 with a market share of around 2% annually.
www.iol.co.za
Perception and position are the two keywords that come to mind at the launch of the all-new Great Wall Motors (GWM) P-Series pickup – a hefty range consisting of 16 distinct variants.
Perception comes from the belief Chinese products are inferior. However, as the largest Chinese automaker and an exporter to many countries around the world where it has to comply with safety and quality specifications far more stringent than our own, this is not like a ‘Made in China’ item such as those infesting tourist souvenir shops.
The perception portion was also heightened by the announcement the day prior to the launch the old Steed bakkie had scored zero in the AASA/NCAP crash test ratings. This is not the place to discuss those results but just to say the new P-Series represents a quantum leap upwards in safety standards.
Position plays it role in how GWM, through local operation, Haval Motors South Africa, has pitched the product – dividing it into two groups, Commercial and Passenger, even giving them different front grille designs.
In China, GWM has held a market share of between 24% and 31% since 2010, but since the P-Series launch late in 2019, that figure jumped to 42% and then again to 54% in 2020 – more than double its closest rival.
In South Africa more than 50 000 GWM bakkies have been sold since 2007 with a market share of around 2% annually.
DRIVEN: What's the new Hilux-rivalling GWM P-Series bakkie like on SA roads?
GWM is taking the fight to Hilux and Ranger with its all-new P-Series, and it is priced to sell.
