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Saturday / 9 November 2024
HomeFeaturesThe R1.2-million GWM Tank 500 is a big hit in South Africa – 1st-month sales numbers

The R1.2-million GWM Tank 500 is a big hit in South Africa – 1st-month sales numbers

The GWM Tank 500 is off to a flying start in South Africa, as it sold a total of 13 units during its first two weeks on the market in August 2024.

That may not sound like a lot, but when you consider that it has a starting price tag of R1,222,900, the numbers start to add up pretty quickly.

All in all, Great Wall Motors collected R15,897,700 in revenue in less than a month on the back of a single model – not bad for a nameplate that most South Africans are unfamiliar with.

The new kid on the block

Tank is GWM’s latest sub-brand in South Africa, having made its debut in February with the smaller 300.

The Tank logo is associated with high-end 4x4s, as the new seven-seater 500 is competing in the same segments as local favourites like the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest, and Land Rover Defender.

Given that many of the 500’s competitors have been on the market for far longer with established fan bases, the Tank’s early sales success stands out as it shows that motorists are willing to take the plunge with an unproven concept.

Adding to this is the fact that GWM is a Chinese brand, which is still met with skepticism by many South African adventure SUV buyers.

It goes to show that the sentiment around models from the People’s Republic is starting to turn, as locals are becoming more interested in the value proposition of these cars compared to those from legacy nameplates.

Case in point is the Tank 500, which lives up to its classification as a luxury 4×4 with an extensive spec sheet.

It is powered by a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, which together churn out a heady 255kW and 648Nm.

The powertrain pairs with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and an electronic four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case and a rear diff lock.

The SUV’s lengthy equipment list further includes automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start, electronically adjustable leather seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, a leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, tri-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Infinity stereo, a wireless charger, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It doesn’t end there though, as it also brings a suite of assistance systems comprising adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, tyre-pressure monitoring, 360-degree cameras, front and rear parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, hill descent control, and lane-keep assist.

Rounding out the package is a fleshed-out aftermarket support structure with a 7-year/200,000km warranty, a 5-year/75,000km service plan, 7-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance, and an additional 8-year/150,000km hybrid battery warranty.

The after-sale support is particularly noteworthy, as it is likely to be one of the main reassurances that helped to convince 13 South Africans to part ways with R1.2 million in August.

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