GWM Achieves Record High Vehicle Sales in Australia

GWM (Great Wall Motor) is a multinational Chinese automobile manufacturer that produces passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and utility vehicles (utes). In Malaysia, the brand operates via its official national distributor, Great Wall Motor Sales Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., serving local motorists transitioning towards hybrid and battery electric vehicle options. GWM's market performance provides a benchmark for right-hand-drive electrified vehicle adoption across Asia-Pacific markets.

Key Facts

GWM achieved an all-time high monthly ranking of sixth in Australia's new vehicle market with 5,212 sales recorded in September 2026.

What Drove GWM's Record Performance in the Australian Market?

GWM recorded 5,212 new vehicle registrations in September 2026, capturing a 5.1% market share according to VFACTS national sales data. This performance equalled its highest-ever monthly ranking of sixth position. Growth was driven by substantial expansion across its electrified portfolio, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric powertrains.

According to VFACTS national sales data, GWM accumulated 44,959 year-to-date vehicle sales by the end of September 2026, representing a 14.3% increase compared with the same period in 2025. This keeps the Chinese carmaker on track to achieve its stated 2026 objective of surpassing 60,000 sales in Australia under its "Drive To Top 5" initiative, which targets a top-five market standing by the close of 2027.

“In a very challenging market, September’s result gives GWM strong momentum as we enter the final quarter,” said Kett. “As we mark 18 years in Australia, our mission remains clear: continue expanding our portfolio with products and technologies that best solve the real-world needs of our customers — their life, work, usage, geography and budget.”

— John Kett, Chief Operating Officer, GWM Australia and New Zealand

According to official VFACTS data, GWM increased its year-to-date sales by 14.3% in 2026 to reach 44,959 vehicles.

Which Electrified Models and Utes Are Expanding the Line-up?

Battery electric vehicle deliveries expanded by 542% year-on-year, led by the Ora 5 SUV which delivered a record 609 units in September 2026. GWM is augmenting this momentum by introducing the all-new Haval H7 SUV, offered in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid formats, alongside the new Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute.

The upcoming Cannon Hi4-T PHEV integrates plug-in hybrid engineering with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system and a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. It joins the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV to expand GWM's dual-cab offerings, sitting alongside the existing 3.0-litre turbo-diesel Cannon Alpha and the Tank 500 off-roader to serve commercial and recreational requirements.

The GWM Ora 5 SUV achieved a monthly delivery record of 609 units in September 2026 as total BEV sales surged by 542%.

How It Compares for Malaysian Users

For Malaysian consumers evaluating right-hand-drive electrified vehicles, GWM's expanding product range presents practical options for urban and commercial use. Compact electrified models such as the Ora series suit urban commuters living in high-density condominiums across the Klang Valley, provided charging points operate on standard Malaysian 240V infrastructure. Conversely, heavy-duty plug-in hybrids like the Cannon Hi4-T provide long-range versatility without immediate dependency on local public fast-charging networks.

While official Malaysian pricing in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) for the Australian-market Haval H7 and Cannon Hi4-T has not been disclosed, GWM's regional roll-out indicates continued prioritisation of right-hand-drive sport utility vehicles and commercial utilities across Asia-Pacific markets.

Electrified vehicles from GWM utilise standard 240V charging standards compatible with domestic single-phase and three-phase power supplies in Malaysia.

Common Questions

How many vehicles did GWM sell year-to-date in 2026?

According to VFACTS sales data, GWM delivered 44,959 vehicles year-to-date through September 2026. This represents a 14.3% increase compared to the identical nine-month period recorded in 2025.

What towing capacity does the GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV offer?

The GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV features a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. The powertrain pairs dedicated plug-in hybrid hardware with mechanical four-wheel drive to handle substantial utility tasks and heavy trailers.

Which GWM electric model recorded the highest deliveries in September 2026?

The GWM Ora 5 SUV led the brand's battery electric vehicle volume, recording 609 deliveries in September 2026. This model spearheaded GWM's 542% year-on-year increase in overall electric vehicle sales.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on reporting published by CarSifu (Star Media Group Berhad) on 09 October 2026, citing official VFACTS national automotive sales data and statements from John Kett, Chief Operating Officer of GWM Australia and New Zealand. No third-party pricing or estimated vehicle conversions were extrapolated where official Ringgit Malaysia figures were omitted from the primary source text. This article was last updated on 12 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against official distributor details from Great Wall Motor Sales Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.