- GWM thinks big for its bakkie-building future
- New models to be on display at 2019 Shanghai show
- Two- and four-door, long- or short-wheelbase
BEIJING, China – Great Wall Pickup has created a supersized four-door, double/single-cab, long-wheelbase bakkie ahead of the April 2019 Shanghai auto show.
The images show a revised nose / grille with trapezoidal air inlet s grilled in what GWM calls ”an intricate and decorative” style, and handsome spoked wheel rims. The dazzle paint on the first images don’t help the eyes much but the outline is clear: brash and American.
The short load-bed includes a double roll protection bar.
The automaker says the decoration and design ”highlightings a new generation of bigger, better, and more advanced GWM bakkies”.
GLOBAL SPECULATION
”From either side,” the company added, ”the vehicle shows a multiple-spoked wheel design adding to the creative styling of the vehicle.
”A variety of models such as long- and short-load-bin single- and double-cabs in various levels of specification and trim will be included.
”There was speculation from global media that the new products might be Steed 8 and Steed 9 units (an earlier model) but such speculation had never been confirmed. According to the patent drawings, a whole new range of products rather than a single product will be launched at Auto Shanghai.”
There is likely to be an off-road model, perhaps fitted with a tow ball and roof racks, the bakkies are said to be based on a new platform, and will be assembled at a new plant in China.
What do these milestones and announcements mean to the man-in-the-street?
Well, GWM says this will be a new generation of bakkies ”to support GWM’s accelerating development and research”.
”The brand is sure to make another big move during 2019.
”We will pay close attention to the new Great Wall pickup range and make updates in due time. Exciting times lie ahead.”
Soon after the above release arrived followed this one:
”Something big is coming,” GWM said. ”This is the all new GWM 4×4 bakkie fitted standard with a winch, deep-water snorkel, and a three-way differential lock to create the most advanced GWM bakkie yet.”
So here they are…
The ramps for a quad bike will also be pretty useful. – Editor
Carman's Corner 