The 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show opened as scheduled, with GWM—one of China’s leading brands in independent automotive innovation—making a strong impression by showcasing its six major sub-brands: Haval, Wey, Tank, ORA, GWM Pickup, and Souo Motorcycles. The display centered around two core themes: “Smart Living” and “Extreme Off-Road Machines.” More than just a product showcase, the event served as a powerful statement on technological self-reliance, intelligent evolution, and global consumer trust.
From the world premiere of its V8 diesel engine to the advanced Hi4 intelligent four-wheel-drive hybrid platform, and from AI-powered smart cabins based on large language models to body-in-white structures exemplifying cutting-edge safety engineering—GWM demonstrated tangible technological breakthroughs. These innovations signal a pivotal shift: Chinese automakers are moving beyond “manufacturing for export” toward true “technology export,” positioning themselves as contenders in the global race for tech sovereignty.
Technology Meets Off-Road Power: Dual Drivers of GWM’s Global Identity
At its “Extreme Off-Road Machines” exhibit, GWM unveiled a comprehensive off-road lineup featuring the Tank 500 Hi4-T, the diesel-powered Tank 300, and the global debut of its high-displacement V8 engine—further reinforcing its competitive edge in the “intelligent off-road” segment.
While the industry continues to trend toward smaller engines and electrification, GWM remains committed to technological independence. Its globally premiered V8 diesel engine exemplifies this vision, delivering superior thermal efficiency and exceptional performance—offering a bold, high-performance answer from China to the world.
Meanwhile, GWM also unveiled its highly anticipated Hi4 Intelligent Four-Wheel-Drive Hybrid Platform. This advanced platform marks a significant leap in off-road innovation, enabling the Tank brand to move beyond the conventional “rough-and-ready” off-road driving model and introduce a fully integrated intelligent off-road system that combines perception, decision-making, and execution.
Take the Tank 500 Hi4-T as an example—it comes equipped with intelligent triple locking differentials, an electronic four-wheel-drive system, crawl mode, and a transparent chassis view. These cutting-edge features support one-touch multi-terrain mode switching and advanced driver-assistance capabilities, allowing for a seamless transition between urban commuting and off-road exploration.
From Wind Tunnels to Body-in-White: GWM Builds a Fortress of Innovation Through In-House R&D
Beyond its lineup of complete vehicles, GWM’s “Smart Living” exhibit also showcased its proprietary wind tunnel lab model and high-strength vehicle body structure, offering the public a closer look at the company’s deep technological capabilities.
To provide visitors with a more immersive understanding of GWM’s R&D strength, the booth featured a scale model of its environmental wind tunnel facility. As the first Chinese independent brand to complete construction of such a facility, GWM’s wind tunnel center spans 45,000 square meters and includes 14 types of large-scale testing labs. It supports wind speeds up to 250 km/h and full temperature range testing from -40°C to 60°C, enabling real-world simulations across diverse global climate conditions. This comprehensive setup ensures full-cycle vehicle performance validation and refinement.
In addition, the exhibit featured the body-in-white structure of the WEY Gaoshan, showcasing GWM’s cutting-edge vehicle engineering. Comprising 81.96% high-strength steel, the structure significantly enhances overall rigidity and crash safety—creating a virtually unbreakable “safety fortress” for end users
AI-Powered Smart Cabin: Large Language Models Drive the Next Evolution in In-Vehicle Intelligence
GWM continues to push the boundaries of intelligent mobility. At this year’s auto show, the company unveiled its next-generation AI smart cabin system—powered by advanced large language models and integrated with cutting-edge AI technologies including natural language processing, multimodal perception, and adaptive learning of user habits. The result is a highly personalized, intuitive in-car experience tailored to each individual user.
This intelligent system is already being deployed across several GWM brands, including WEY, Haval, and ORA. As GWM accelerates its global expansion, the system is set to roll out internationally, enabling seamless, cross-language and cross-cultural interaction. By delivering truly localized smart mobility experiences, GWM is redefining what intelligent travel means for users around the world.
A Global Strategy with Local Precision: One Blueprint, Multiple Markets
GWM’s success in global markets doesn’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, the company follows a differentiated strategy, tailoring its technologies and product features to fit the unique demands of each local market.
In the Middle East, the Tank 300 comes equipped with a starlight roof and desert driving mode. In Australia, the Hi4 platform features suspension tuning optimized for rugged terrain. In Northern Europe, ORA models are outfitted with snow-driving systems and aurora-inspired ambient lighting. These adaptations go far beyond simply adding new configurations—they stem from GWM’s deep insights, gathered through an extensive global network of localized R&D, testing, and data collection facilities.
Under its “ONE GWM” strategy, the company has established R&D and testing centers across key international markets. This enables GWM to deliver Chinese-developed technologies through a globally localized innovation model—balancing centralized engineering excellence with local adaptability.
At this year’s auto show, GWM not only captured attention with its technical capabilities but also created a dynamic and immersive brand experience. The booth featured interactive zones with collectible stamp cards, trivia games, blind-box gifts, robotic baristas, and customized drinks—building a space where technology meets human connection.
While many multinational automakers still pursue a “global car” strategy, GWM offers a distinctly Chinese approach through “ONE GWM”: building a robust foundation through in-house innovation, unlocking local markets through tailored solutions, and redefining off-road capability with all-scenario smart technologies. As stated in GWM’s powerful promise during the launch event: “We promise, we deliver.” This may well represent the ultimate roadmap for the global rise of China’s automotive industry.
Media ContactCompany Name: GWMContact Person: Carol WangEmail: Send EmailCountry: ChinaWebsite: https://www.gwm-global.com/global/
