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GWM Tech Day 2025: A Glimpse into the Future
GWM Tech Day 2025: A Glimpse into the Future
This October, GWM brought its highly anticipated Tech Day 2025 to Melbourne, a landmark event that underscored the brand’s commitment to innovation, local adaptation, and growth in Australia. Over three days, more than 300 guests including media, dealers and key partners gathered to see what’s next for GWM in the ANZ region.
Why Tech Day Matters
Tech Day was more than a product launch, it was a statement. By hosting this global event in Australia, GWM reinforced the country’s central role in its strategy for right-hand drive markets. Senior executives such as Parker Shi (President, GWM International), Nicole Wu (Global CTO) and Richard Zhu (Chief Engineer, Hybrid Systems) were on hand to present GWM’s future roadmap.
With this event, GWM celebrated 17 years in Australia and showed its intent to double down on innovation, local tuning and infrastructure support. It also revealed that Australia will be the global launch market for a new 3.0-litre diesel engine in mid-2026.
Technology Highlights: Hi4, Hi4-T and More
One of the star announcements was the next generation of hybrid systems under the Hi4 banner. The Hi4 architecture is being deployed across different models to balance power, efficiency and off-road capability. The off-road focused version, Hi4-T, featured in the reveal of the Tank 500 PHEV, pairing dual motors with hybrid logic to deliver electric driving range and rugged performance. GWM claims electric-only range on some hybrids could reach over 100 kilometres.
Nicole Wu also revealed the upcoming 3.0-litre diesel engine. Built as a four‐cylinder unit, the first applications will be in the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha models. This bold move pits GWM directly against some of Australia’s current diesel heavyweights.
Local Tuning: The AT-1 Program
Tech Day wasn’t just about unveiling hardware. GWM introduced its AT-1 tuning program, which is an Australian-led initiative to fine-tune steering, suspension damping and handling characteristics to match local roads. Attendees got to experience the differences in person through test drives of the Haval H6 and Cannon Alpha under AT-1 calibrations. These calibrated changes are slated to enter production in November 2025.
Business and Dealer Growth: Backing the Tech with Infrastructure
Tech Day also laid out GWM’s growth ambitions. The company plans to expand its dealer network to 125 dealers across Australia to improve reach and service accessibility. It also announced local investments in aftersales capability and training. Already, more than 170 after-sales technicians have been trained, and GWM will invest AUD 3 million by 2026 in training infrastructure.
To better support parts availability and quicker logistics, GWM will develop new regional parts hubs, including one planned for Western Australia. Globally, a 30,000 m² parts centre in Shanghai is scheduled to open in January 2026 to bolster parts flow worldwide.
What It Means for GWM Owners and Prospective Buyers
For our customers in Albany and across Western Australia, Tech Day signals exciting things ahead. The new hybrid and diesel powertrains mean more choice, better efficiency and stronger performance, whether driving in town, off-road or long highway journeys.
The AT-1 tuning program promises that future GWM vehicles will feel more at home on our local roads. Better parts availability and improved dealer support will reduce downtime and help owners feel confident about service and maintenance.
As GWM expands its presence and commitment in Australia, this is a sign that the brand is here to stay, evolving to meet local expectations while pushing global technology.
GWM’s Tech Day 2025 was a bold declaration: Australia is not just an afterthought, but a centrepiece in the brand’s future. With hybrid breakthroughs, local tuning, infrastructure investment, and exciting engine developments on the horizon, GWM is aiming to redefine how Australians view Chinese automotive brands.
We at Albany GWM are excited to bring these advances closer to you. Stay tuned as we get ready to introduce new models, showcase driving experiences, and help our local community experience the future of GWM.