Great Wall Motors (GWM) entered the South African vehicle market in 2007, launching with single and double cab bakkies, and in doing so, tackled one of our most competitive segments. GWM South Africa offers five models with an array of specifications on each, with the Steed range being their most diverse line-up. Designed and built in China, GWM vehicles are exported across the globe. GWM regularly competes in motorsport, specifically contending in the Dakar Rally in partnership with Haval Motors. They achieved their best results (sixth overall) in 2012 and 2013.
Founded in 1984, the company, named after the Great Wall of China, is China's largest SUV and bakkie manufacturer, along with sister companies Haval and Wey.
Following GWM's initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2003, the company became China's first private automotive manufacturer to go public. Success followed as GWM garnered 2% of the Chinese automotive market share in 2010 and surpassed one million vehicles sold in 2016.
Although it's still a young brand compared to others in the automotive sector, GWM is making excellent progress and is partnering with other leading brands such as BMW to produce electric vehicles, and MINI in China.
GWM have 66 dealerships and service centres across South Africa with a support network shared with Haval Motors. Here's a look at the vehicles they offer:
|
Model |
Category |
|
M4 |
Crossover SUV |
|
Steed 5 |
Bakkie |
|
Steed 5E |
Bakkie |
|
Steed 6 |
Bakkie |
|
H5 |
SUV |
GWMs sell in smaller numbers compared to other models in their segments, according to the NAAMSA Vehicle Sales Reports. However, the company's increasing presence in South Africa indicates that it is by no means struggling.
The GWM Steed 5 Single Cab facelift is a tough workhorse, built to deliver durability combined with comfort in the cabin. It's marketed as a farmer's bakkie, and it's easy to see why: the ladder-frame chassis and double-insulated load bin mean it's equipped to handle big jobs, with plenty of storage space inside for your odds and ends.
The new facelift models come with remote locking, fog lamps, radio and USB, audio system, electric windows, electric adjustable side mirrors, and electric height-adjustable headlamps. The comfortable bucket seats ensure a smooth, bump-free ride even when the load bed is empty.
Under the hood, the Facelift Single Cab (MPi) Workhorse 4x2 has a 2.2-litre petrol engine that develops 74kW and 180Nm of torque, which helps transport heavier loads. This is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which delivers a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100km.
The GWM Steed 5 Single Cab retails from R182,900.
Read more about these GWM models: GWM P-Series
GWM has taken great care to ensure clients can rely on parts availability and aim to reduce waiting times by establishing a parts warehouse in Durban worth R150 million, according to GWM South Africa. They also have a pre-delivery inspection facility in Gauteng which carefully assesses all newly imported models.
GWM South Africa does not have an in-house insurance option on their vehicles but do offer warranties and service plans on new vehicles. If you are looking for GWM insurance, simply use hippo.co.za to compare several car insurance quotes within minutes.
For information on other vehicle manufacturers in South Africa visit our car buyers’ guide.
Sources: Naamsa, GWM South Africa, Haval Motors South Africa
Information provided for informational purposes. Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article.
