GWM at Three: A brand that’s growing up fast in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: When GWM Malaysia first opened its doors three years ago, the automotive landscape here looked very different. Electric cars were still a novelty, SUVs were starting to dominate, and off-roaders were mostly reserved for hardcore enthusiasts with deep pockets.

Into that mix came a new player from China — Not just one brand, but an entire family under the Great Wall Motor (GWM) umbrella — from the ORA Good Cat, TANK 300 and TANK 500 HEV, to the HAVAL H6 HEV, and soon, the WEY G9.

Also Read: 2025 ORA Good Cat Ultra & GT launched in Malaysia - From RM110k, up to 480km range, 171PS/250Nm

Fast forward to today, and GWM’s third anniversary in Malaysia is more than just a marker on the calendar. It’s a story of how quickly the brand has woven itself into the fabric of our roads and conversations. And as part of the celebration, GWM is putting the spotlight not only on its journey so far, but also on the models that have shaped it — and the ones still to come.

Starting with funk and quirk – GWM ORA GOOD CAT steps In

If you wanted to make a splash in a new market, you’d normally introduce a mainstream SUV first. GWM didn’t do that. Instead, it led with the GWM ORA GOOD CAT in 2022 — a cheeky, retro-inspired electric hatchback that looked like no other car in its price range. Some people compared it to classic European small cars, others thought it looked futuristic. Either way, it got people talking.

The timing was spot-on. Malaysia was beginning to warm up to the idea of EVs, but there was still a sense that they were toys for the wealthy. The Ora challenged that perception. With competitive pricing, approachable styling, and a playful personality, it proved that electric cars didn’t need to be boring, expensive, or intimidating.

In 2024, its bigger brother, the GWM ORA GOOD CAT 07, was introduced — a striking fastback-style EV that swapped cute retro charm for sleek, coupe-like lines and a more premium cabin. Positioned as a stylish step-up from the Good Cat, the 07 came with stronger performance, more advanced driver assistance features, and longer driving range, broadening Ora’s appeal to Malaysians who wanted something more aspirational while still staying within reach of the mass market.

Three years later, the Ora hasn’t stood still. The brand has expanded the line-up with Ultra and GT variants, aimed at buyers who want more range, more features, and in the case of the GT, a sportier character. For many Malaysians, the Ora remains their first taste of what an EV can be — and that’s a powerful position to hold in a market where the future is electric.

The adventurous turn – Tank brings muscle

After quirk came muscle. GWM’s second act in Malaysia was the launch of TANK, a sub-brand dedicated to off-roaders. The GWM TANK 300 was the headline act, a square-jawed SUV that looked like it was born to tackle deserts and jungles. It was different from anything else on the road at the time — a car that didn’t shy away from its chunky proportions and rugged stance.

For Malaysians, the appeal of the GWM TANK 300 wasn’t just its capability, but its attitude. It felt like an antidote to the sea of soft-roaders that had flooded the market. Yes, it had proper off-road hardware, but it also tapped into a lifestyle fantasy — the idea that you could pack your gear, leave the city behind, and head for the hills without a second thought.

These days, the GWM TANK 300 is enjoying its moment in the sun, thanks to a (special campaign) that makes it easier than ever to get behind the wheel of one. For anyone who’s long dreamed of a square-shouldered, go-anywhere machine but figured it was out of reach, this is the ticket. 

And then there’s the GWM TANK 500, the bigger, brasher sibling that landed earlier this year. With hybrid power under the hood and a cabin that feels more executive lounge than jungle basher, it’s rewriting the rulebook for what a full-sized 4x4 can be. Top it off with the stealthy All-Black limited edition, and you’ve got an SUV that proves toughness and style don’t have to live in separate worlds.

In just two years, Tank has carved out a niche for itself as a brand that doesn’t just sell SUVs, but sells the idea of exploration — something that resonates deeply in a country where weekends often mean a dash to Janda Baik, Cameron Highlands, or even cross-border trips to Thailand.

The backbone SUV – GWM HAVAL H6 HEV

By the time the GWM HAVAL H6 HEV rolled into Malaysia, GWM had already won attention with its quirk and toughness. The Haval H6, though, was a different kind of proposition — the mainstream SUV, the bread-and-butter model designed to appeal to families, commuters, and everyday buyers who wanted space, comfort, and tech without breaking the bank.

It also came with something that spoke directly to the times: a hybrid powertrain. For Malaysians still cautious about going full electric but wanting better fuel efficiency and lower running costs, the H6 Hybrid felt like the sweet spot. It offered the punch of electrification without the need to plug in, making it a practical bridge between the old and the new. 

The HAVAL H6 HEV landed at just the right moment. SUV buyers here had become more sophisticated, expecting features like large infotainment screens, advanced driver assistance, and premium interiors even in mid-range models. The H6 has already proven it ticks all the right boxes, and now it’s getting a little sharper, a new black interior joins the range, while GWM doubles down on what owners love most: fuel endurance. 

After all, this is the very SUV that entered the ASEAN Records after going more than 1,200 km on a single tank, with dozens of owners easily crossing the 1,000 km mark in daily use. It’s the kind of real-world efficiency that cements the H6 HEV as the practical, forward-thinking choice in GWM’s line-up.

If the GWM ORA GOOD CAT was GWM’s playful introduction and the Tank its adventurous streak, then the H6 is the dependable backbone of its line-up. It’s the kind of car you can imagine families using for school runs, long commutes, and balik kampung trips — the everyday journeys that define Malaysian life.

Looking ahead – WEY enters the picture

As for what’s next, GWM has one more card to play: WEY, its premium brand. The WEY G9 MPV has already been teased and is set to arrive in Malaysia soon. It’s a bold move, taking on a segment long dominated by Japanese and Korean stalwarts. 

But instead of joining the growing list of fully electric premium people mover space, the GWM WEY G9 is coming in as a plug-in hybrid — a middle ground that could resonate with Malaysians who want electrification but still value the reassurance of a petrol engine on longer journeys.

The timing is no coincidence. With premium buyers being courted by full EVs on one side and traditional petrol MPVs on the other, a hybrid like the GWM WEY G9 strikes a balance. It offers the space, luxury, and tech expected in this segment while addressing the very real concerns of charging infrastructure and range anxiety. 

If GWM applies its usual formula — sharp design, loaded features, and aggressive pricing — the GWM WEY G9 could well be the model that pushes the brand from challenger status into genuine rival territory across multiple segments.

The Anniversary Giveaway

Of course, no anniversary would be complete without something special for the fans. To mark its third year in Malaysia, GWM is celebrating with a nationwide campaign running from November to December 2025, giving buyers the chance to take home exclusive prizes worth up to RM150,000, including RM20,780 worth of premium prizes such as:

• Apple iPhone 17 (256GB)
• Apple iPad Air 11-inch (256GB)
• Apple AirPods Max
• PlayStation 5 Digital Console (Slim)
• Dyson V12 Origin SV49 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
• Insta360 GO Ultra
• NESPRESSO Lattissima One Coffee Machine
• Marshall Acton III Black Speaker
• Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm)
• 70MAI T800 4K 3-Channel Dashcam 4G + 4G Hardwire Kit

In addition, customers can also join an exclusive lucky draw simply by booking any GWM vehicle. A total of 25 lucky winners will receive instant prizes on the spot upon booking.

Three years young, many more to come

Looking back, it’s remarkable how quickly GWM has established itself here. In just three years, it has gone from being an unknown name to a brand with models that cover everything from quirky EVs to rugged 4x4s, family SUVs to soon-to-come premium MPVs.

Each step has felt deliberate: ORA to catch the eye, TANK to bring credibility, Haval to secure the mainstream, and now WEY to push into premium territory. And with an anniversary celebration that combines product highlights with real rewards for buyers, the brand is showing that it knows how to blend storytelling with substance.

The next three years will be crucial — the competition is heating up, and Malaysian buyers are savvier than ever. But if GWM’s journey so far is any indication, the brand isn’t just here to stay. It’s here to grow, to challenge, and to keep giving Malaysians more reasons to “Go With More.”

Also Read: GWM TANK 500 HEV Black Edition launched in Malaysia