GWM is clearly setting its sights on the BYD Shark 6 with the launch of the brand new Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid ute.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV is now out there in Australia, boasting a standard mechanical 4×4 system, superior towing capabilities in comparison with the BYD Shark, and an prolonged vary.
GWM is raring to emphasise these options.
Steve Maciver, GWM Australia’s advertising and marketing chief, said, “BYD has finished a terrific job launching that automobile and rapidly attaining strong gross sales, however we consider the time has come for us.” He confidently claimed, “We have now a greater automobile.”
The Shark 6 was the primary plug-in hybrid utility automobile to hit the twin cab-loving Australian market and has seen rapid success in gross sales. Nevertheless, it stays to be seen whether or not this momentum will proceed, particularly with the removing of Fringe Advantages Tax exemptions for PHEVs.
As of April 2025, the Shark 6 ranks because the fourth-best promoting 4×4 twin cab in Australia, trailing solely the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max.
Throughout a media presentation introducing the Cannon Alpha, GWM detailed its benefits over the Shark 6. The Cannon Alpha PHEV encompasses a nine-speed automated transmission outfitted with each excessive and low-range 4×4, in addition to mechanical locking differentials. In distinction, the Shark 6 depends on the moment torque from its electrical motors and traction management for off-road efficiency.
The Cannon Alpha claims a most braked towing capability of three,500kg, surpassing the Shark 6’s 2,500kg. Moreover, the Cannon Alpha provides a 115km electric-only vary and a mixed vary of 1,060km, in comparison with the Shark 6’s 100km and 800km, though these figures adhere to the optimistic ADR81/02-NEDC requirements. GWM additionally asserts a greater gas consumption charge of 1.7L/100km versus the Shark’s 2.0L/100km, although that is primarily based on theoretical assessments.
Whereas the Shark 6 begins at $57,900, making it extra inexpensive than the 2 Cannon Alpha variants ($59,660 Lux and $66,990, plus on-road prices), GWM argues that the extra capability and options of the Cannon Alpha justify the upper worth.
Maciver defined GWM’s strategy to PHEV growth: “There are two methods to carry a PHEV 4×4 ute to market. BYD has taken their path, and we’ve taken ours.” He emphasised that, whatever the powertrain, a ute should ship on particular distinctive promoting propositions desired by Australian shoppers.
He famous that 3.5-tonne towing functionality is crucial for a 4×4 ute, a lesson discovered from suggestions after launching the smaller Cannon ute with a 3.0-tonne restrict.
“Australian existence enormously incorporate four-wheel driving. Even those that do not go off-road repeatedly respect the chance to take action,” Maciver said. “It might be remiss to not present the appropriate expertise.”
Whereas GWM’s focus was totally on the Shark 6, in addition they acknowledged the incoming Ford Ranger PHEV. “We have now the automobile to compete not solely with the BYD Shark but in addition the Ford Ranger PHEV,” Maciver assured.
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