GWM launches boxy H10 SUV to shore up weak China sales

GWM (HKEX: 2333) officially launched the GWM H10 on Wednesday, its first boxy SUV (sport utility vehicle) based on the Global One platform, as it seeks to revive sales in its home market.

The new model is offered in 4 variants, with suggested retail prices ranging from 209,800 yuan ($30,900) to 231,800 yuan. Limited-time discounted prices range from 201,800 yuan ($29,720) to 223,800 yuan.

The GWM H10 sits under the Haval brand but carries the parent company's name. It is positioned across 2 segments: six-seat family SUVs and rugged boxy hybrid SUVs.

The model is available in five-seat and six-seat configurations. The five-seat version measures 5,138 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width and 1,970 mm in height, while the six-seat version has a longer body of 5,299 mm. Both have a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.

The GWM H10 is powered by a Hi4 hybrid system comprising a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and 2 electric motors, delivering a maximum combined output of 440 kW (590 hp). It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Its 42.8-kWh battery pack provides a CLTC pure-electric range of either 232 km or 227 km, depending on the configuration. Fast charging can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in 15 minutes.

With a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery, the model offers a maximum combined range of 1,404 km.

The vehicle is equipped with the Coffee Pilot 3 driver-assistance system. LiDAR is standard across the lineup, along with 27 sensors that support all-scenario NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) and parking-space-to-parking-space navigation.

The cabin features a 10.25-inch instrument display, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 29-inch SR-HUD and a 17.3-inch rear entertainment screen. A 7.7-liter smart refrigerator is also available.

Its direct rivals include Ford's electric Bronco and the Tai 7 from BYD (HKEX: 1211) sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao. It will also compete for customers with more urban-oriented family SUVs such as Li Auto 's (NASDAQ: LI) Li L6.

The model is crucial to GWM's domestic business. The company sold 46,052 vehicles in China in July , down 27.23% year-on-year. Domestic sales in the first 7 months totaled 338,521 units, a decline of 22.25%.

Overseas markets remained GWM's only source of growth. Its overseas sales surged 50.93% year-on-year to 62,015 vehicles in July, accounting for 57.39% of its total sales for the month.

Haval remained GWM's largest brand by volume, with global sales of 56,272 vehicles in July. That was flat from a year earlier and down 6.66% from June.

($1 = 6.7895 yuan)