Great Wall goes out on its own

After several years on the market here being imported and distributed by Ateco Automotive, Chinese marque Great Wall is going it alone with an updated ute model/ s. The Great Wall Motor Company Limited assumed control of both the Australian and New Zealand operations on July 1st this year, pledging continued service for the existing customer base and dealer network in both countries. “This signals the beginning of an exciting new era for China’s most successful utility manufacturer in the region,” said GWMA Managing Director Parker Shi. “As demand for utilities continues to grow, Great Wall Motors decided now was the time to take the brand to the next level by establishing a direct OE presence here.” Mr Shi said a new Great Wall ute would go on sale here before the end of the year with the lineup headed by a 4x4 turbo diesel matched to a sixspeed manual transmission, Borg-Warner torque on demand intelligent fourwheel drive system and Eaton differential lock. It will also feature high levels of safety, with ESP and six airbags as standard equipment. Mr Shi said the company would be headquartered in Melbourne, sharing offices with sister company HAVAL Motors Australia. The Australian and New Zealand operations will be headed by Tony Carraturo as General Manager. “Great Wall will focus solely on light commercial vehicles, with HAVAL concentrating on SUVs.”