Does anyone have any insight into the situation in Australia? They were slated for about this time (middle '09) but there's been no word.

I would say the market has toughed up a lot with the Indian Mahindra starting at only USD$13,000 and even Thailand made Isuzu 4 door 2wd utes starting at only USD$20,000.

The Isuzu is at the upper end with airbags and a general Japanese design with a 3.0 litre turbo diesel motor. The Chinese would be more at the Indian end with no bags and a general 1980s attitude to safety.

Hello Tony.
I live over "The Ditch" in New Zealand and I've been tracking Great Wall in Australia since I joined this forum. Great Wall have exported and conducted testing in Australia, even though their website does not include dealerships on their map. They have exported 3000 utes to you guys and I have a pick of an Aussie registered GW.
http://themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/greatwall_doublecabute_02a.jpg
Hope this helps.:thumb:

the problem is the market in australia is getting tougher by the day especially for commericials

you can buy any number of famous brand two door japanese utes with a tray for under AUD$20k... with generous offers for business owners

a good buy is a 2wd Isuzu crew cab ute for only $25k - why buy a chinese copy when you can get the original Thai built for that little

what is still expensive is true 4wd crew cab utes

i think the Isuzu 4x4 crew cab is like $32k - granted you get a state of the art 3.0 litre turbodiesel with 120kW and 360Nm which I don't think the chinese can match

as yet there are no offerings for chinese cars of any sort in australia despite the news reports

Keep a look out Tony. I read that Chery is already in Australia as well as Dongfeng heading there sometime. I'm pretty sure there's a Chery dealership in Darwin I think.
Anyway, we only have just got Cadillac in NZ after about a year of waiting. Chery said they'd enter the market here in the planned time period Cadillac did.
Still waiting.

hover also passed all australian laws, it will be offered there for sure, by my opinion any older model of great wall like sailor of deer is better then mahindra, simply i don't like mahindra and i drive it plenty of time, if we compare the vehicles with the isuzu d-max there is a new wingle pick up which is based on the d-max but have more competetive price, also wingle is avalaible with 4g69 gasoline engines and 2.5 isuzu based engines which don't have so much power like that diesel from isuzu but I am sure that have better fuel consuption

Next weekend :eek:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/GWMad.jpg
In The Advertiser's CarsGuide liftout today.

I called the dealer; he said vehicles will be arriving mid week so launch must be early next week.

So pricing is as follows.......

(Sailor) SA220 d/c AUD $19,990
(Wingle) V240 4x2 d/c AUD $23,990
(Wingle) V240 4x4 d/c AUD $26,990

http://goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/BD10553237E7A8E1CA2575DF002A21E8

this my expert opinion (!!!)

ateco is one of the worst importers in australia offering very high pricing and very ungenerous attitude towards warranty claims

1st. the SA220 (Sailor) and V240 2wd is no bargain at $19,990/$23,990 simply because 2wd utes are very unpopular here... people want 4wd utes

if you want a 2wd ute you can buy the Isuzu D-Max 2wd crew cab ute for $24,990... it has a DOHC turbo diesel 3.0 litre with 120kW and 360Nm... for that $5,000 extra you get airbags, abs and all the modern features you expect

also the engines seem gross uncompetitive... eg. the v240 has a Mitsubishi 2.4 petrol (I assume it's a 4G64 type SOHC) with 100kW and 200Nm... for a 1,660 - 1,780kg ute... you must understand australians like to tow large caravans and boats and other things... this will not do

2nd. the V240 4wd is $26,990 while cheap for a 4wd ute is no great bargain when you realise you cannot tow with it

$29,990 is the price for a Nissan Navara d22 with 98kW and 304Nm which can town very well.

for about $33k is the starting price for a basic Holden Colorado/Isuzu which has that big 3.0 litre 120kW/360Nm diesel that can tow very well.

Price of the L200 Triton is also in that range. There are also good business tax benefits which helps lower the pricing.

I think the v240/Wingle really needs the new nose and the new 2.5 TCi diesel? Or something at least partway competitive with the modern turbo diesels in the other trucks.

Also no automatics is a loss. Australians are almost as bad as Americans in their love with auto boxes.

I went to the local dealer and guess what no stock :(

I did speak to the rep to see how things were going........
-Asked if a diesel was on the way he said probably as most enquiries so far are are the pickups diesel powered or not.
-also asked about sales; the rep said they've nearly got their first one.......
-the Florid and Tiggo will be released later this year which should help with showroom traffic.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/GWMadel.jpg

IMO what is needed as Tony mentioned is........

-Diesel power
-perhaps even keener pricing (if possible)
-Automatics

Hehe, we've got them here too. Even where I live. BTW, isn't the Tiggo from Chery, so why is it being sold by Great Wall?
I'm excited though. I've been wanting a Chinese manufacture down here for ages (MG/Rover don't count).
Official website: www.greatwallauto.co.au

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2966.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2967.jpg

I went to the Dealer on Saturday and finally saw my first Chinese branded vehicles in Australia (remember VW introduced the Shanghai produced Polo Sedan in Australia in 2003 ;)).

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2933.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2964.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2936.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2938.jpg

The V-Series is good for what is it a rebadged Isuzu DMax/Holden Colorado build quality seems to be average I thought the panel gaps where larger than I remembered the Isuzu/Holden.

Interior was good leather or faux leather what ever it was is good but the rest is plasticky (I guess you get what you pay for.).

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2934.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2949.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2958.jpg
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2959.jpg

The SA-Series was as expected cheap in all aspects as it is based on the Late 1980s-2002 TF Series Isuzu (Holden Rodeo) and as such inherits its interior space and aged design.

The cheesy D22 Nissan Navara like grill is shocking in person when you look through to the radiator there is a massive gap.

Saying all that though does not mean its bad its well proven but reliable..... we will have to wait an see Australia is a tough country and will eventually show the major weaknesses of the GW's.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2960.jpg

The above picture bugged me as I thought the coolant was to lime green for my liking I just hope the Glycol percentage is up to scratch otherwise these will boil in Summer.

i think that your comments is little bit too harsh, first of all interior of wingle and sailor is identical to isuzu d-max, model from 2005, i know because we sold some interiors to isuzu dealeships and all fit without any problem

also the plastics from isuzu and great wall is the same, 100% identical, all brackets and all fits without problem, also my wingle have over 60000 km and the interior is very good quality, i also compare it with some models of toyota hilux and nissan navara which is also very popular here in croatia, to me they all have very small differences between them, but price of toyota and nissan here is croatia is almost 10000 € from gwm, and not to forget also, wingle have full eqipment while others are simply basic equipment but with 4x4, also we all know that is a working car

also sailor model can't be comaped to wingle, becuase wingle production is doing on complety new production line, while sailor is still coming from the old production line where are also older models of gwm produced, there was some changes made on sailor, because lot of them have been exported

also maybe it will be intresting that you also compare cost of maintance for gwm and for other brands, here where i like cost for GWM is almost 40% cheaper that other models

many times i have rides with my friend which have mitsubishi l200, toyota hilux and nissan navara and i never have any problems to pass where they also pass, also wingle can carry the same like all other models, still i save 10000 € in my pocket because all other models are more expensive then wingle and have the same usage

Excellent pictures phaeton.
So far the only Chinese vehicle I have seen in person was Shuanghuan CEO.

I think I was fair just remember the Australian media won't be as fair.

Just because it was built cheaply does not mean it will be cheaper in the long term but you raise a valid point.
Although I read once in Overlander (a 4x4 magazine) reader complained at how expensive in the long term it was to keep his cheap Tata on the road compared to the most expensive dual cab the Hilux.

Here is another photo that shows how fragile the carpet is in the SA220 (Sailor) around the hump.
If you'll also notice already has markings (on the plastic) on it hopefully should come off with soapy water.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2955.jpg

the rodeo is no different

you should have seen how flogged out our old work rodeos were after all the builders had a go at it

you'll find utes are lead to a different standard - as long as they are reliable and hard wearing it should be ok

btw. is that a pushrod motor in the SA220?

the engine in sailor is "derivate" of toyota 4y engine, it's a gasoline engine with 2200 ccm and 78 kw, mpi, also sailor is little bit lower quality then wingle, we will see how will australian market react on this new brand

Is GWM Deer and GWM Safe for sale too ???

I have a question: does Fiat sell Panda in Australia brand new? Because it will either be the Florid or the Peri which will be the "light car" that will be sold soon. Also, does anyone here think that the two threads "Great Wall in Australia" and "Great Wall in New Zealand" should remain separate or be merged together as one?
Any news would be great:thumb:

fiat are sold by the same morons who do GWM

ateco... so you have the popular models like the Fiat 500 but they are very very expensive... more sport hot hatches

i like the Panda diesel 4x4 but that's not sold here

you guys might feel interesting here
GWM sold 247 of its utes in July in Australia
from caradvice dot com.sorry i can't inset link

you guys might feel interesting here
GWM sold 247 of its utes in July in Australia
from caradvice dot com.sorry i can't inset link


That seems like a decent amount to me, but how does the number fare within the Australian market? ( I am in the US)

fiat are sold by the same morons who do GWM

ateco... so you have the popular models like the Fiat 500 but they are very very expensive... more sport hot hatches

i like the Panda diesel 4x4 but that's not sold here

that importer of great wall isn't so popluar in australia?for fiat 500, it isn't expensive only in australia, it's expensive also here in croatia, from 13000 to 20000 €

you guys might feel interesting here
GWM sold 247 of its utes in July in Australia
from caradvice dot com.sorry i can't inset link

Those are very good sales figures for the current very limited dealerships nationally.

I'd be interested in a breakdown of SA220/V240 sales.

I saw the 3 models available at the Launceston TAS dealership last week, in the flesh so to speak the utes look quite good allround.

Is anyone aware of a SA220 (Sailor) or V240 (Wingle) road test done in Australia or NZ, either online or in a magazine?

If so, could you provide a link or details please.

Hover coming to Australia, model will be known as X240.

From The Motor Report 22.08.09:

CHINESE MANUFACTURER Great Wall Motors will release its first passenger car in the Australian market later this year to complement its V240 and SA220 medium-duty commercial utes.

Named the X240, the car will be a rebadged right-hand-drive version of the Chinese-market Hover crossover.

Based on the Toyota 4Runner’s chassis and with a body borrowed from the Isuzu Axiom, the X240 isn’t a particularly fresh design. The engine - Mitsubishi’s 4G64 2.4 litre petrol inline-four - isn’t terribly new either, but Great Wall importer Ateco Automotive will be banking on keen pricing and respectable base equipment levels to sell the X240.

Pricing details and a precise launch date are still unknown, but expect the X240 to land in dealer showrooms before the end of 2009.

According to documents submitted by Great Wall to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the X240 will be sold in just one mechanical configuration.

The Mitsubishi-based 2.4 litre petrol four cylinder is the only engine that will be offered, and will produce 90kW of power. A five-speed manual gearbox will be standard.

The Australian-market X240’s tare weight will be a hefty 1830kg, and airconditioning, power windows, front and rear foglights, dual front airbags and ABS are expected to be standard equipment.

The X240 will spearhead the arrival of more Great Wall passenger cars, with the X240 set to be joined by a version of the Chinese-market Florid five-door small car by the end of this year.

Single-cab variants of the already-launched V240 and SA220 dual-cab utes will also make their way to Australia soon.

From GWM's English language website:

2009-08-24
Hover RHD Gained the ADR Homologation Approval
On August 18th, 2009, Hover RHD (named as X 240 in Australia) is successfully homologated for sale in Australia. Hover is the third model which gained the approval of ADR homologation following with Wingle RHD and Sailor RHD (named as V 240 and SA 220 in Australia), and it also has been the first SUV model from China finishing ADR homologation.

At present Wingle RHD and Sailor RHD have made a good performance in both Australia and New Zealand market, the sales volume was over 300 units in July and there are over 50 dealers. The entrance of Hover will greatly promote the Great Wall brand further in Australia market, and to make great support to the dealers’ network.


Note: ADR is the abbreviation of the Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are Australia national standards for vehicle safety, anti-theft and emissions, ect. The ADRs are generally performance based and cover issues such as occupant protection, structures, lighting, noise, engine exhaust emissions, braking and a range of miscellaneous items.

this will be a big test because it'll go up against Xtrails and Santa Fe's and other medium sized SUVs

i think Hover crashes ok so i reckon 3/4 stars on the ANCAP will be what it gets which won't be enough

also the interior doesn't look up to scratch, nor are the engines competitive

this will be a tough battle even with a discount on the price

Supposed Peri Australia specs.
Model
CC7130MM02

Type
Petrol

Engine
GW413EF engine

Dimension L/W/H (mm)
3548×1580×1544/1581 (with luggage rack)

Wheelbase (mm)
2299

Tyre
165/70 R14

Kerb mass (kg)
1015

Luggage-compartment capacity (L)
206/860 (back row seat folded)

Engine type
4 DOHC 16V

Displacement (cc)
1342

Max. power Model
CC7130MM02

Type
Petrol

Engine
GW413EF engine

Dimension L/W/H (mm)
3548×1580×1544/1581 (with luggage rack)

Wheelbase (mm)
2299

Tyre
165/70 R14

Kerb mass (kg)
1015

Luggage-compartment capacity (L)
206/860 (back row seat folded)

Engine type
4 DOHC 16V

Displacement (cc)
1342

Max. power (Kw/r/min)
65/6000

Max. torque (Nm/r/min)
115/4200-5200

Max. speed (km/h)
160

0-100km/h accelerating time (S)
15


Max. torque (Nm/r/min)
115/4200-5200

Max. speed (km/h)
160

0-100km/h accelerating time (S)
15

http://www.pressportal.com.au/tpllib/img.php?im=cat_446/2431.jpg&w=200&h=150

The Motor Report article mentions the Florid as being the next GWM product to Australian market after the incoming Hover/X240.

Given Ateco's preference for renaming the vehicles with a letter or letters followed by 3 numbers designating engine capacity, will the Florid follow on from SA220 (Sailor), V240 (Wingle), X240 (Hover) as something like the Z150?

Or perhaps the A150, if Ateco want to leave the 'Z' designation for future Ute or SUV type vehicles.

From www.caradvice.com.au 25/08/2009:

GREAT WALL MOTORS TO EXPAND RANGE.

Australia’s first Chinese automotive importer, Great Wall Motors, certainly seems to be building a sales foundation, and has announced plans to add three more vehicles to its range.

Two Great Wall twin cab utilities were launched onto the Australian and New Zealand markets in late June by local importer Ateco Automotive, and since then they have been selling as quickly as they can be supplied.

The entry level SA220 is priced at $19,990 while the up-market 2WD V240 is $23,990 on road, add $3000 to that if you want the 4WD version.

Official VFACTS industry figures show Great Wall achieved 274 retail sales in July, but a spokesman for Ateco Automotive, the importer of Great Wall, has advised that dealers actually took more than 300 new orders during their first full trading month.

Ateco says the existing imports will be supplemented in coming months by new models including a well-appointed mid-sized SUV, an economical small sedan and single cab versions of the current utilities.

All are expected to be on sale in Australia before the end of the year and further enhancements to the line-up including an eagerly awaited turbo diesel engine are also in the pipeline.

Great Wall launched with 43 dealers in Australia and six in New Zealand, but the dealer network is growing as Ateco works steadily through its appointment processes.

An Ateco spokesperson said the greatest short-term challenge facing existing Great Wall dealers is finding stock for their showrooms as they meet and exceed sales targets months ahead of expectations.

Great Wall availability is expected to improve soon as increased orders of freshly produced vehicles enter the country, while dealer willingness to embrace a forward ordering system has helped Ateco to better match supply to actual individual model demand.

According to Ateco’s Managing Director, Mr Ric Hull, “No one here is getting carried away at this early stage, but we are greatly encouraged by the initial success of Great Wall’s products and the enthusiasm of our dealer network.

From carpoint.com.au 20/08/2009, this article gives the breakdown of SA220 4x2, V240 4x2 and V240 4x4 sales:

HORDES FLOCK TO GREAT WALL.

The first full month on sale has yield positive results for Great Wall Motors, but can sales momentum be sustained?
Ateco Automotive, the importer and distributor of Great Wall Motors (GWM), reports that the local dealer network sold 274 units of the Chinese-built light commercial vehicles during July.

With the entry-level SA220 racking up 62 sales and the 4x2 version of the V240 selling 85 units, it was the V240 4x4 that proved the most popular model in the range, on 127 units sold for the month.

"No one here is getting carried away at this early stage, but we are greatly encouraged by the initial success of Great Wall's products and the enthusiasm of our dealer network," says Ric Hull, Ateco MD.

Ateco took 300 orders for the GWM range during the month, a result that bodes well for the brand. Sales of pick-up/cab-chassis vehicles for July 2009 were actually 20.2 per cent (4x2) and 21.9 per cent (4x4) down on the same time last year, so Ateco has cause to be pleased with the initial demand.

The company also expects demand for the GWM range to remain strong through to the end of this year, as a consequence of the likely demand from small business buyers taking advantage of the investment allowance that officially ends December 31.

43 dealers have been appointed by Ateco to sell the brand throughout Australia and the network is still growing. Supply of the vehicles will be a short-term headache, says Ateco. Dealers are anticipating a further rush from buyers with the introduction of the X240 medium segment SUV (pictured), a small sedan and single cab variants of the current SA220 and V240 models in due course.

There is a review in Delivery magazine publication http://www.powertorque.com.au/delivery/index.php

[QUOTE=phaetonhttp://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc78/vwphaetonfan/IMG_2964.jpg

Hi Phaeton...it's been a long time. Your photo quality is superb.

What kind of a reception has this dull paint finish received, anyone? Are they all flat like this?

According to the online brochures at www.greatwallmotors.com.au, the V240 (Wingle) is available in "Milky White', 'Pearl Black', 'Sky Silver' for both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions, with the 4x4 also having the option of 'Jewel Red'.

The SA220 (Sailor) is available in 'Bright White', Imperial Black', 'Champagne Silver' and 'Sky Silver'.

The metallic paint options cost an extra A$350 over listed price.:eek:

Another road test article on the V240 4x2 hosted on the www.greatwallmotors.com.au site.

First drive: Great Wall V240 - 21/08/2009

by Peter Barnwell, Cumberland Newspapers

It was difficult getting into a V240 ute because they have been selling like hot cakes in the scant weeks since the Great Wall brand lobbed here.

Tradies have been hooking in just like the keenly priced Kia Preggio van all over again which is hardly surprising since the bloke calling the shots at Great Wall in Australia, Ric Hull, was also the boss at Kia when Preggio was around.

That’s why there’s a familiarity to the deal for buyers of the Great Wall V240, and the smaller 220 for that matter — a loan car after two days if there’s a problem and a three-year/100,000km warranty to start with.

The V240 4x2 we drove the other day is also full of goodies not expected for $23,990. Leather upholstery, for example, air conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and exterior mirrors, decent audio, loud horn, bright headlights, chunky Kumho tyres, 16-inch alloys, anti-lock brakes and two airbags.

The V240 has a familiarity about it too - explained by Mitsubishi’s involvement with Great Wall. It’s essentially an earlier version of the Mitsu’ Triton, built in China. The engine and transmission are also Mitsubishi clones. Not expected was the way it’s put together - a whole lot better than we thought with only a few glitches in the footwell plastics and the flimsy cover over the passenger airbag to complain about.

It starts and runs just like a Triton and feels like one on the road too. Engine performance from the multi-point injected, 100kW/200Nm, four-pot petrol engine is adequate and fuel economy is a claimed 10.7 litres/ 100km - not bad for a dual cab ute weighing it at 1660kg and with a one tonne payload.

The engine needs a bit of finer fettling to the electronics to make it run smoother but apart from that, no complaints. The transmission feels like a Triton too with the selector stick a bit too far forward. Shorter drivers won’t have an issue. And like the Triton, it has a large turning circle.

But the ride is good with torsion bars up front and leaf springs at the rear, the steering is light and the brakes are powerful. It corners like a long wheelbase dual cab ute - acceptable - and has a decent size tray. We would choose a tray liner instead of some of the goodies inside.

The styling is innocuous and generally speaking, we have little to gripe about in the V240. Would we buy one or would we go for a used Thai-made ‘‘Japanese’’ one tonne ute?

V240 is hard to go past if you happen to qualify for the Government’s 50 per cent tax allowance sweetening the already tempting price.

And do you really want to be driving someone else’s discarded work horse?

$350 is standard pricing for metallic paint here

on the prestige japanese cars it can get to $1,000

on the germans? closer to $2,000

for metallic paint

i see no point in getting anything but white for these

Great Wall X240 registered in New South Wales
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/08/21/474878.1-lg.jpg

That is a gorgeous shot! Anyone knows how much it cost in Aust?

Australian sales statistics for August show 228 Great Wall Motors vehicles sold in that month. On top of the 274 sold in July, that's 502 SA220's and V240's sold since their Australian debut.

Per my SIG safety suggestion, both the V220 and V240 utes in the AUS market have as standard, a single, "hazard warning triangle" constructed to European/UN specification.

These are *not* a junk item either, and are required gear in the EU and ROC markets. The specification is also up for world adoption via a newly developing UN Convention on Road Traffic.

In the V220 ute; the warning triangle is located UNDER the rear seat.

In the V240 ute; the warning triangle is located BEHIND the rear seat backrest. See the yellow label.

The EU/UN triangle specification used by Great Wall in Australia/NZ, is an 'accepted alternative' under AS3790, and easily outperforms that standard!

From drive.com.au

Proton, GWM utes fare poorly in NCAP crash tests
BARRY PARK
September 29, 2009


The Proton Jumbuck ute scored a dismal one-star rating in the latest round of independent NCAP crash tests, which also criticised the newly arrived Great Wall Motors utes.

A cheap trade ute has scored the worst-ever crash test result for a vehicle currently on sale in Australia, prompting calls for consumers to avoid buying commercial vehicles that perform poorly in independent safety tests.

The Proton Jumbuck, a $15,000 two-seater ute made in Malaysia and on sale in Australia for almost seven years, has received only one star out of a possible five after it was smashed into a deformable barrier to simulate an offset head-on collision, the independent crash safety watchdog announced today.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program also released the crash results of the first two Chinese cars on sale in Australia — the Great Wall Motors SA220 and V240 dual-cab utes — awarding them two stars out of a possible five.

ANCAP was critical of the sub-standard crash protection offered in utes. Many traditional “tradie” utes have fallen behind passenger cars in terms of crash safety, with some makers stripping out features that could reduce injury in a crash in order to make prices more attractive to commercial buyers.

Both the Proton Jumbuck and the Great Wall Motors SA220 tested lacked potentially life-saving airbags that can reduce the amount of injury resulting from a crash. All three vehicles tested lacked electronic stability control, which can help a vehicle recover from a skid by sensing a loss of control and individually braking wheels.

“The (GWM) SA220 and the (Proton) Jumbuck lack airbags and other safety features that are expected as standard equipment by new car buyers,” said ANCAP chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, who indicated the airbags in the more expensive GWM ute were not performing their job of protecting occupants.

“The results for the Great Wall vehicles were particularly disappointing as these are new models to the market. The V240 has dual airbags but these failed to protect the driver and passenger from injury in our crash tests.”

The Australian arm of the world’s most authoritative independent crash test organisation also criticised the Australian Design Rules, saying they were not up to the standard modern consumers expect.

“Crash statistics show that occupants of one- or two-star vehicles have twice the risk of receiving life-threatening injuries in a crash, compared with four- or five-star vehicles - at a time when four- and five-star ratings are becoming increasingly available for new car buyers,” said Mr McIntosh.

“New vehicles that achieve only a 1 or 2 star ANCAP rating - while meeting the ADRs - are a cause for concern.”

A spokesman for Great Wall Motors said the V240 had scored a “high” two-star result. He said an engineer from the Chinese car-maker was present at the ANCAP tests, and the company would use the results make changes to its vehicles to improve their crash performance.

“Great Wall safety engineers have been hard at work analysing data from the recent ANCAP tests from the moment it was made available, and are confident that Great Wall will continue to make significant progress with enhancements to the safety of their products.,” said the spokesman.

Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari questioned ANCAP’s motives in selecting the Jumbuck — due for a replacement mid-way through next year — for a crash test.

“We’re a bit confused as to why that vehicle was selected for a test,” Mr Startari said.

“[The Jumbuck] is the last of the models on the old Mitsubishi platforms ... it’s not really fair because one car is a 1990s platform and the other one is a new car.

“[ANCAP] obviously tested Great Wall and were looking around for a comparable test, and there’s not too many light commercial [vehicles] around with no airbags.

“Obviously we’re a company that takes safety very seriously,” he said.

The new Jumbuck will feature improved safety measures including “multiple” airbags, Proton says.

Until it is replaced, the current-model Jumbuck joins the Mitsubishi Express commercial van as the only two new vehicles currently on sale in Australia to have been independently crash tested and receive a one-star crash rating (not all vehicles are independently crash tested).

ANCAP said the Jumbuck’s crash test score fell below that of the Express van, making the ute Australia’s worst-performing vehicle.

Some commercial vehicle makers were lifting their safety standards, with a Mercedes-Benz van recently gaining a top five-star ranking — a first for the market — once buyers spent an extra $800 on potentially life saving head-protecting side curtain airbags.

Holden also recently announced its ute would be the first on the market to get stability control and curtain airbags across the range.

Don't forget, GWM is not the only manufacturer in Australia with a bad product. The Clolorado/D-Max has only three stars and the Kia Rio hatchback only has two. There are plenty of manufacturers out there who produce or have produced sub standard models with poor safety ratings.
Still, the high sales of GWM suggests that it is here to stay.

I don't think it's a matter of a bad product. Two star NCAP rating does not mean a vehicle is bad or unsafe, despite what the uninformed media reports.
A two star car today is a safe car, and probably a safer car than any made 20 years ago. However higher rated cars have (allegedly) a higher degree of 'safety', measured in terms of occupant survival.

I personally have no issues with the GWM SA220 and V240, I think they are 'safe' for me. I dont need ESP, and I'm not particulary concerned about the airbag issue.

In 2003 I was hit whilst stationary by a moving car at 70 kph inside what would now be a one star car (1999 Hyundai Excel, no airbags) and in 2009 I was broadsided when doing 80 kph in a now 2 star car (2003 Hyundai Accent front airbags only) by another car who failed to stop at an intersection. I walked away from both with no injuries although both cars were writeoffs.

Unfortunately media like drive.com.au determine that a lower rating means unsafe, when that is not actually the case.

i think that those euroncap or ancap or other test....bigger companies use for their marketing activites, personaly no body can convince me that when i hit other car with suv which is 2000 kg total weight that i wount demolish that other car complety

sample:
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9309/1090904img.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1213/1090906img.jpg
many press write that hover is unsafe also, 3 stars at cncap, 4 start at independent test of euroncap, bla bla bla, all of them was sceptic about this vehicles, i have couple of small accidents in left side of vehicle and nothing happend to me, also on the photos you can see how is this car in practice

3 people in car, no injuries, they wall of from the road into a dig which was over 40m long, car was on the roof and hit the three....and nobody was serisuly injured...so i thrust matters like this

i think that is a really time that press stop to write stupid articles about whicles which they don't have, i pass with GWM models over 500.000 km without any problems, have several car accidents with them and apsoluty never i had a bigger injurie

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9701/banghn.jpg
here is a photo of my car when lady with the peugeot hit me on side doors with over 50 km/h, result...car is fixed and still is driving, and how have 120.000 km
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8861/rascvetanipeugeot.jpg
here is photo of the peugeot, he demolished all the engies and car wasn't able to repair, result...car is on junkyard

i know that hover is suv, but what happend with nissan navara?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgEwF-SDQNk
1 star at crash test, after that nissan told that they replace "ecu airbag unit" and then car have 3 stars??? who belive this crap??? i think that nissan must lot more work to make better safety of nissan navara, not just to replace ecu of airbag, now is the end od 2009 year i am sure that nissan made some changes at vehicle and that it's now more safe..foreuroncap!

the same was with the brilliance couple of years ago, car was tested at adac...1 star, after 2 month brilliance deliver new model to spanish institute idiada and car have 3 stars, but brilliance made over 60 changes on vehicle

i just found those tests:
http://www.ancap.com.au/results/343/
wingle
http://www.ancap.com.au/results/341/
sailor

well..i have some comments on that, first of all they write this:
There are no advanced seat belt reminders.
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6219/9h8pkchqie3131.jpg
i am asking them...what is that red sign on the speedometer??? :confused:, also they made a test of 4x2 model, why they don't test also 4x4 model??? 4x4 model is really more robust then 4x2

for sailor:
Engine: 2.4 :confused: ....sailor have 2.2 engine, so I am wodering which vehicle they tested

Mico, does the Wingle and Sailor also have an audible beep as well as the speedometer light to indicate that a seatbelt is not fastened. I note ANCAP refer to "ADVANCED selt belt reminders". Perhaps a warning light only is not "advanced" in the mind of ANCAP?.

Mico, does the Wingle and Sailor also have an audible beep as well as the speedometer light to indicate that a seatbelt is not fastened. I note ANCAP refer to "ADVANCED selt belt reminders". Perhaps a warning light only is not "advanced" in the mind of ANCAP?.

my wingle have warning light and audio beep but i simply turn that off because i don't like it and i don't have habit to drive with seatbelt, especially when i go on some small routes like in store, gas station and so on

for hover is the same, we have a hovers with sound and without sound, depends what our customers want, for the seatbelt i can't image what ANCAP want, because hover and wingle both have modern new seatbelts, for sailor i didn't sure, because i know that gwm made some modification but i didn't import it here

Some more pics of x240.
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/0/A8B94D4760F2CE76CA25761500010597/$file/Great_Wall_X240_front2_large.jpg?OpenElement
http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/GreatWall-X240_001a1.jpg

Australian sales statistics for August show 228 Great Wall Motors vehicles sold in that month. On top of the 274 sold in July, that's 502 SA220's and V240's sold since their Australian debut.
adds 260 sold in Sep figures from caradvice
I watched that crash test video from 'the Australian' website, it was conducted by NRMA and RTA. the reason only scored 2 stars out of 5 because V240 's airbag deployed did not prevent drivers all the damages from hitting the steerling wheel, honestly apart from that the test didn't look bad at all,
whereas the proton jumbuck crumpled driver wouldn't stand a chance of survive
and it still scored a star?
i can't post link at the moment, anyone interests in that video can go to theaustralian.news at right hand middle of the page, search for crash test

Thanks, foxtraner!
I included the testresults on my EuroNCAP test page:
http://www.chinesecars.net/index.php?page=57
Many greetings,

The links are here:
http://www.ancap.com.au/results/341/ and
http://www.ancap.com.au/results/343/

adds 260 sold in Sep figures from caradvice
I watched that crash test video from 'the Australian' website, it was conducted by NRMA and RTA. the reason only scored 2 stars out of 5 because V240 's airbag deployed did not prevent drivers all the damages from hitting the steerling wheel, honestly apart from that the test didn't look bad at all,
whereas the proton jumbuck crumpled driver wouldn't stand a chance of survive
and it still scored a star?
i can't post link at the moment, anyone interests in that video can go to theaustralian.news at right hand middle of the page, search for crash test

So that's 762 Great Wall SA220 and V240 utes sold in 3 months. That's pretty much on target with Ateco's original hopes to sell 3000 - 4000 vehicles in Australia in their first year, even without considering the expected forthcoming X240 (Hover) sales.

It will be interesting to see if the low ANCAP scores affect future sales. I personally doubt this would be the case as I suspect GWM buyers assess their vehicle needs on a lot more than just ANCAP results.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/attachment/091028/81819d0f40.jpg (http://autos.globaltimes.cn/china/2009-10/480226.html)

Great Wall Motor today announced that its X240 SUV is available in Australia, with prices starting at $23,990.

The X240 SUV features 5-speed manual transmission and a 2.4L gas engine with a maximum of 100kW power at 5,250rpm and 200Nm torque between 2,500 to 3,000rpm. Its fuel consumption is 10.4 liters/100km on the combined cycle.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/attachment/091028/b0ba9d9b27.jpg (http://autos.globaltimes.cn/china/2009-10/480226.html)

However, the electronic stability control is not offered in the model sold in Australia. The X240 SUV offers dual front airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and rear parking sensors for safety.

The automaker's other brand Florid will be introduced to Australia by the end of 2009.


The story is from Global Times: http://autos.globaltimes.cn/index.html

I don't think it's a matter of a bad product. Two star NCAP rating does not mean a vehicle is bad or unsafe, despite what the uninformed media reports.
A two star car today is a safe car, and probably a safer car than any made 20 years ago. However higher rated cars have (allegedly) a higher degree of 'safety', measured in terms of occupant survival.

I personally have no issues with the GWM SA220 and V240, I think they are 'safe' for me. I dont need ESP, and I'm not particulary concerned about the airbag issue.

In 2003 I was hit whilst stationary by a moving car at 70 kph inside what would now be a one star car (1999 Hyundai Excel, no airbags) and in 2009 I was broadsided when doing 80 kph in a now 2 star car (2003 Hyundai Accent front airbags only) by another car who failed to stop at an intersection. I walked away from both with no injuries although both cars were writeoffs.

Unfortunately media like drive.com.au determine that a lower rating means unsafe, when that is not actually the case.

well, if you're talking about ANCAP, Hyundai Accent 2003 has 3 stars

http://www.ancap.com.au/results/sear...01-01+00:00:00

Well, I think Great wall is the new player who does not have any previous history at all. So, they need to prove themselves to the buyer.

I mean if you look at hyundai (as they're still new player compare to other major auto), they provide the longest warranty ( 5 years / unlimited) and all safety features (ESP, 6 airbag), good safety rating (recent model did not get lower than 4 starts and new model got even 5 starts) in Australia. Also not to mention the cheaper price and fuel efficient diesel engine as Japanese omit to offer the diesel (beside Mazda), diesel has been offered by the pricey European auto only.

Above those how many things does GWM offer? Only price. I did not mention the fit& finish, performance and reliability coz it will be judged by people over the some period.

first of all you can judge about the car when you have it right? or maybe drive it at least one week, i pass with couple of hovers over 250.000 km, as i know in europe hover cost between 23000€ with full extras and 4x4, hyundai with full extras and 4x4 cost between 40000 €, this is almost double price, hover is also best selling chinese suv on their market, first which start selling outside china, in europe, africa, south america, asia and so on

hover also have 2 airbags, abs, automatic air conditioner, bumpers in colors, alu rims, all electronic equipment, radio with dvd and gps, and much better 4x4 mode becuase hyundai don't have 4L mode, where hover can pass hyundai can't park there, also hover have better prices for maintance, all spare parts are cheaper, maybe hyundai is more luxury from the inside but after all he is over 20000 € more expensive, only problem of this edition of hover is older interior but in new H5 model it look very good

well, if you're talking about ANCAP, Hyundai Accent 2003 has 3 stars

http://www.ancap.com.au/results/sear...01-01+00:00:00

I'm reliably informed that under the current 2009 ANCAP testing procedures, the 2003 Hyundai Accent would only get 2 stars.

Well, I think Great wall is the new player who does not have any previous history at all. So, they need to prove themselves to the buyer.

I mean if you look at hyundai (as they're still new player compare to other major auto), they provide the longest warranty ( 5 years / unlimited) and all safety features (ESP, 6 airbag), good safety rating (recent model did not get lower than 4 starts and new model got even 5 starts) in Australia. Also not to mention the cheaper price and fuel efficient diesel engine as Japanese omit to offer the diesel (beside Mazda), diesel has been offered by the pricey European auto only.

Above those how many things does GWM offer? Only price. I did not mention the fit& finish, performance and reliability coz it will be judged by people over the some period.

No previous history?

Well Great Wall has sold over 1000 SA220 and V240 models in Australia in the past 4 months, so must be doing something right...............:thumb:

From goauto.com.au on 28/10/09.

"New Models - Great Wall X240 Official:

Great Wall X240 now on sale

Pioneer: First utes, and now Great Wall has released its X240 SUV in Australia for $23,990 driveaway.

Australia’s first Chinese passenger car lands in the shape of Great Wall’s X240 SUV

28 October 2009

By MARTON PETTENDY

THE first Chinese automotive brand in Australia opened for business with its V240 and SA220 dual-cab utes locally in July, and now Great Wall Motors’ first passenger vehicle has arrived here in the form of the small X240 off-roader.

Priced from a bargain-basement $23,990 driveaway (including dealer delivery and statutory charges), the first local crossover wagon from Great Wall sets a new price benchmark in Australia’s compact SUV segment.

Despite its super-affordable on-road price, which is effectively lineball with the list price of Suzuki’s three-door 1.3-litre Jimny Sierra ($20,490), the larger five-door X240 comes standard with a host of standard features including leather trim, a powered driver’s seat, air-conditioning and an eight-speaker CD/MP3 sound system.

Available in just one specification with only one option (a sunroof for $1000), the X240 also offers a relatively comprehensive list of standard safety features, including twin front airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), four-wheel disc brakes and rear parking sensors. Electronic stability control (ESC) is not available.

Power steering, power windows, central locking and 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/65-section tyres are also standard on the X240, which will be available in white, black, silver and red exterior paint colours.

The full-chassis X240 is based on Toyota 4Runner chassis and will be one of the few compact SUVs to offer a dual-range four-wheel drive system, which can be switched from the dashboard between high and low range on the fly.

Available now through Great Wall’s national dealer network, which is expected to comprise 60 dealers in every Australian state and territory before year’s end, the five-seat X240 will be backed by the Chinese brand’s three-year/100,000 new-vehicle warranty and 24-hour/seven-day roadside assistance program.

As we have previously reported, the X240 is powered by a fuel-injected 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 100kW at 5250rpm and 200Nm of peak torque between 2500 and 3000rpm.

Similar to the 2378cc Mitsubishi-sourced engine that powers the V240 ute, the X240’s 4G69S4N engine will be available exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission.

As we revealed two weeks ago, the X240 rides on a 2700mm wheelbase and is 4620mm long, putting it between Subaru’s top-selling Forester and the Nissan X-Trail.

New official figures reveal the X240 returns average ADR 81/02 combined fuel consumption of 10.4L/100km, a 160km/h top speed and claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in “less than 20 seconds”.

The importer and distributor of Great Wall vehicles in Australia and New Zealand, Ateco Automotive, says the lack of an automatic transmission will be the biggest limiting factor when it comes to the X240’s popularity, but declines to nominate specific sales targets.

“We’re taking a fairly modest outlook on the sales potential of the X240 because it is manual-only,” said Ateco managing director Ric Hull, who added that the brand’s first passenger model continued the sharp pricing and high specification policy adopted by Great Wall’s utes.

Despite scoring just two stars out of five from independent crash test body ANCAP last month, Ateco has sold 762 Great Wall utilities in the three months since their July release. The result includes 348 V240 4x4s, 254 V240 4x2s and 160 SA220s, and is above Ateco’s forecast of 250 total utes sales a month.

While the SA220 is aggressively priced from under $20,000, the X240 4WD’s pricetag similarly undercuts the list prices of entry-level two-wheel drive versions of more established rivals by at least $1000.

They include Hyundai’s aged Tucson 2WD ($25,490), and the Nissan Dualis 2WD and Kia Sportage 2WD, which are also powered by 2.0-litre petrol engines and priced at $24,990. Korean brand SsangYong offers its diesel-powered Actyon A200 from $26,990 plus on-road costs.

While most compact Japanese SUVs are priced from well above $30,000, many also come standard with a full complement of airbags and potentially life-saving ESC technology.

“It’s a good price but we think it has to be,” said Mr Hull. “We have always known we’d have to be under those very good competitors in the class.”

Mr Hull said that while Ateco’s other Chinese vehicle partner, Chery, was yet to submit its Australian Design Rule paperwork for federal government approval, Great Wall had cancelled plans to release the light-sized passenger car known in China as the Florid in Australia this year.

Instead, he said Great Wall had decided to make available a newer 1.5-litre light-sized sedan by the middle of 2010, while a diesel engine remained on schedule for the Great Wall utes by late next year.

Great Wall X240 pricing:
X240 $23,990 "

Interesting. I wonder if this sedan will be Australia/NZ only.

it's an SUV
and it's available in many countries, but the name is usually - Hover H3

Instead, he said Great Wall had decided to make available a newer 1.5-litre light-sized sedan by the middle of 2010, while a diesel engine remained on schedule for the Great Wall utes by late next year.


This is what I meant:
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/7691/disbg1.jpg

That def looks a lot like a Geely

2 KiwiGuy:
oh, sorry, my bad

Great Wall Motors (Australia) have dropped the price of the SA220 (Sailor) from A$19,990 to A$18,990, although prices of the V240 (Wingle) and X240 (Hover) remain the same.

Price drop therefore is probably more related to need to move 2009 SA220stock prior to 2010, than to the every increasing value of the A$ to the US$.

i think that gwm offer to them better prices because they sold many units, also this is old models which are going out of production, so i am sure that gwm now want to sell those models best as they can

From goauto.com.au 05/11/2009.

VFACTS Sales 2009 October.

"Great Wall sold another 240 examples of its dual-cab utes plus 18 of its new X240 compact SUV, to pass the 1000 sales marque for Australia’s first Chinese vehicle brand."

By my calculations that's 1002 SA220/V240 (Sailor/Wingle) sales in the 4 months to 31 October, plus 18 X240's (Hover) in the 4 sale days of October (28-31).

A total sales of 1020 vehicles in 4 months with considerable monthly growth to be expected with the X240.

November 2009 sales figure cannot be too far away, it will be interesting to see the full month sales figures of the X240.

From goauto.com.au 30/11/2009.

"China’s Great Wall to expand ute line up

Diesel, single-cab and safety improvements promised for Great Wall’s V240 ute

30 November 2009

By JAMES STANFORD

AUSTRALIA’S first Chinese brand is set to significantly broaden its attack on the one-tonne ute market next year with a diesel engine and single-cab variant.

Great Wall Motors will release a facelifted version of its V240 crew cab ute in the first quarter of next year and will take the opportunity to expand the line-up to attract new buyer types.

The diesel engine will be made available in the second half of the year and is tipped to significantly boost sales of the ute, which is already selling better than expected.

New single-cab and cab-chassis variants should give Great Wall better access to the workhorse market. Currently, the V240 is only available as a crew cab.

The company’s Australian distributor, Ateco Automotive, said the facelifted V240 model had also been developed with the aim of improving the vehicle’s crash worthiness.

GoAuto understands Great Wall is making a range of structural changes to improve the safety of the V240 ute after it scored just two stars when by the ANCAP crash test safety body in September.

“Great Wall is following through and seeking to improve its ANCAP rating,” said Ateco spokesman Daniel Cotterill.

“They are working very hard to make the vehicle perform better in that regard.”

The ute upgrade is expected to include pre-tensioning seatbelts – a feature that tightens the belts in the event of a crash – but no further safety features.

The V240 already has ABS and dual front airbags.

Electronic stability control will not be introduced at the time of the facelift. Great Wall Motors has said it plans to introduce ESC on its vehicles before it becomes mandatory on all new cars from January 1, 2011. Great Wall’s other ute, the SA220 crew cab, also scored just two stars in the September ANCAP test.

Older than the V240, it is subsequently cheaper. It is not available with anti-skid brakes or a driver or passenger airbag and there are no plans to offer more safety gear or improve its crash performance.

The current SA220 and V240 are both only available with petrol engines. The SA220 features an older Chinese 2.2-litre petrol four-cylinder with just 78kW and 190Nm, while the V240 runs a more modern Mitsubishi-sourced 2.4-litre petrol unit with 100kW and 200Nm.

The addition of the diesel should make the V240 a more attractive vehicle for customers wishing to carry or tow heavy loads.

Ateco is yet to confirm the details of the diesel engine that will be offered with the V-series ute.

Options include a Bosch-developed 2.8-litre and 2.0-litre diesels which was shown at the 2008 Beijing motor show.

Great Wall Motors sales stand at 1020 to the end of October, according to VFACTS.

The V240 is a clear top seller with 801 sales, with 439 of those 4x4 variants. Great Wall has sold 201 SA220s and 18 of its just-introduced X240 model.

While Ateco has just launched the X240 SUV, the plans for other passenger models are unclear.

The Florid small hatch originally was planned for launch this year, but that was delayed.

Ateco now says that it will launch a Great Wall small car in the second half of next year, but it will not say if this is the Florid hatch or another vehicle.

Great Wall last week achieved European Whole of Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) from the UK based Vehicle Certification Agency for four vehicles, including the V240 ute, X240 SUV, Florid hatch and the Coolbear tallboy hatch that looks like a Toyota-made Scion xB.

Ateco has not ruled out bringing the striking Coolbear to Australia, but said it was unlikely in the short term.

The distribution company, which imports a wide range of brands from Citroen to Ferrari, is still committed to introducing a second Chinese brand, Chery, to Australia, despite a delay.

Chery was supposed to be introduced to Australia early this year, but is yet to arrive, and Ateco is yet to lock in a launch date.

“We are currently in discussions,” said Mr Cotterill.

He said it was likely a Chery vehicle would go on sale at some stage during 2010, but he would would not be drawn on a possible launch date or which models would be first into showrooms.

The original Chery launch plan involved two small cars, the A1 hatch and A5 sedan, as well as the Tiggo3 compact SUV, but the A5 is now an unlikely starter.

Went to Great Wall Adelaide City and took some pictures for all of you.

Happy New Year to all !!!

http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallAdelaideCity20102.jpg
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallAdelaideCity20101.jpg

V240 with Nudge Bar
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallV24020101.jpg
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallV24020102.jpg

X240
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallX24020101.jpg
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallX24020102.jpg
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallX24020103.jpg
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallX24020104.jpg

X240
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallX24020105.jpg
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallX24020106.jpg
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallX24020107.jpg
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallX24020108.jpg

X240
http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae299/vwnewsblog/GreatWallX24020109.jpg

I am really enjoying my Great Wall V240, think I was the first to get a Bullbar for it here even maybe. Just waiting a week or so for them to finish painting the canopy and I'll post some pics of it.

http://i49.tinypic.com/i2kbrd.jpg
here is a bull bar on my hover
http://i46.tinypic.com/2l943s1.jpg
and this is a real front bumper which i want to put:thumb:

Thats a very nice lookingfront bumper/bull bar Micodelija, makes the Hover/X240 look like a real off-roader now. I like it alot.

Don't like Cherry but Great Wall is another story

It can prove difficult to find accessories for these in Australia, no-one seems to know for sure what to put in it for a suspension lift and no-one has any idea of what kind of diff locks could be fitted if any.

Another bad issue I've noticed is if you stall/stop the engine while in a 4wd mode and restart the engine the truck is started in 2wd and not still in 4wd. Could be a big issue if on a steep hill. Other than that I've been enjoying my V240 alot.

Does anyone other than myself find it weird that the importer said that they would like to have automatic versions of the vehicles for sale, especially the pick up models. This seems illogical to me, since I'm assuming that a large proportion of sales at the low end of the market like this appeal to commercial buyers. An auto would just increase the price of the vehicle to buy, and with an engine the is not very powerful it would severely reduce fuel consumption. I don't see how offering a vehicle that is in all other ways identical but with higher initial purchase and running costs would make sense at all to commercial buyers.

australians love automatics... no two ways about it

tradesmans yes... but many fleets only buy autos

private buyers love autos, especially women

People that can drive manual transmissions are a dying breed.

also like america, australia has strict OH&S laws

many mandate that commericial vehicles in a company situation MUST be automatic...

Initial models released onto our roads failed to have such basic safety features as ABS brakes and even Airbags. ANCAP test results reflected this with initial models failing to achieve over a two star safety rating (five stars being maximum).

These poor results are simply not heard of in a time where basic hatchbacks are rating four stars and above, leaving customers faced with a range of ‘Great’ price vehicles with not so ‘Great’ safety standards.

Nonetheless buyers can now have more confidence walking into their local Great Wall dealer with the announcement of an impressive four star safety rating for their latest Great Wall X240 SUV.

These results are a testament to the X240’s safety features which include Front Airbags, ABS and EBD. With other standard equipment including an 8 speaker stereo, Leather seats, Auto climate control and Alloy wheels, the X240 is a well rounded package.

And the price? Just $23,990 (Yes, I had to double check this too!)

Great Wall’s competitive pricing now matched with its new focus on safety could see the Chinese car maker become a real emerging force on the Australian Car Market in 2010.

The results put the X240 on the same safety rating as the Toyota Camry Hybrid!

http://www.ancap.com.au/results/356/
for all of those who don't belive that hover can pass 4 stars rating without problem :), well done GWM

Yeah, GWM I saw in the local newspaper.GWM is being advertised on TV.I don't know where their dealership is :eek: still early days :) but they sell mostly pick ups, no hatches or sedans? Seen maybe 1 or 2 GWM on the roads I think...

:thumb:

Here in Cairns, not seeing the GWM Sailor at the dealer anymore but lots of Hovers and Wingles. They're becoming a pretty common site around town now. I guess at this stage they still compete against good second-hand Jap trucks, but the Hovers are mostly driven by young men. It would make a good, cheap family SUV for a young couple starting out. GWM are shifting around 500 units a month is Australia now according to the latest Wheels magazine (who have studiously ignored the growth of the Chinese industry)

Wheels Magazine may as well be the "Holden Commodore and sometimes the Ford Falcon Magazine"

buy a second hand Toyota it will still be worth the same in 5 yrs mate ya great wall well/?its a poke in the dark .
Hilly

buy a second hand Toyota it will still be worth the same in 5 yrs mate ya great wall well/?its a poke in the dark .
Hilly
Dear Eagetlege, you'd better learn proper English.

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/5B26B00EFAB592DDCA25786900173B01

Upgraded X240 and V240 released in Australia X200 Diesel coming soon.

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/5B26B00EFAB592DDCA25786900173B01

Upgraded X240 and V240 released in Australia X200 Diesel coming soon.

Great Wall has certainly established itself in the market, and laid a path I'm sure Chery (and others such as Geely) should successfully follow.

Interesting to see the base 4x2 V240 is now $2000 cheaper ($17999) than the older model SA220 ($19999) was at launch, credit to the high value AUD I'd imagine.

Diesels and auto gearboxes should send the monthly sales figures significantly upwards.

Looking forward to how it all progresses for Great Wall.:thumb:

Great Wall has certainly established itself in the market, and laid a path I'm sure Chery (and others such as Geely) should successfully follow.

Interesting to see the base 4x2 V240 is now $2000 cheaper ($17999) than the older model SA220 ($19999) was at launch, credit to the high value AUD I'd imagine.

Diesels and auto gearboxes should send the monthly sales figures significantly upwards.

Looking forward to how it all progresses for Great Wall.:thumb:

All very true Great Wall is going strong - diesels make make sales even higher.

Great Wall has certainly established itself in the market, and laid a path I'm sure Chery (and others such as Geely) should successfully follow.

Interesting to see the base 4x2 V240 is now $2000 cheaper ($17999) than the older model SA220 ($19999) was at launch, credit to the high value AUD I'd imagine.

Diesels and auto gearboxes should send the monthly sales figures significantly upwards.

Looking forward to how it all progresses for Great Wall.:thumb:

Erm, its the single cab model that's $17 990, not the dual cab.

The Chery is going to have more difficulty because of the Proton S16 which, frankly, is a better car. It's bigger and faster but uses less fuel. There's also the Suzuki Alto - but that's awful !

If you've ever seen what an apprentice does to a manual, you'll know why autos are popular.

Australian Great Wall Owners Forum http://www.gwownersforum.com/great-wall-community/

it's really nice to see that gwm success at australian market, i also join that gw owner forum, so many cars there, ideas, experience, australians are awesome people, simply have solutions for every idea

it's really nice to see that gwm success at australian market, i also join that gw owner forum, so many cars there, ideas, experience, australians are awesome people, simply have solutions for every idea

Very kind words there micodlija :thumb:

Aussies love there 4x4s ;)