Great Wall Motor Introduces Tank 300 Off-Road SUV and Begins CKD Production in Malaysia

Great Wall Motor has introduced its Tank 300 off-road SUV in Malaysia, featuring a 2.0 L engine with 220 hp. Three Chinese versions are available at prices from RMB 199,800 ($27,980). The company's partnership with EP Manufacturing Berhad in Malaysia involves CKD production and marks its first in the ASEAN region. This follows Great Wall's initial foray into Malaysia with its Ora-branded electric car, the Good Cat. The Tank brand, with its hybrid models, has seen a significant sales increase of 87.59% in January-July, with 20.7% of Great Wall Motor's total sales.

Great Wall Motor, the Chinese automaker known for its rugged and affordable vehicles, has recently expanded its presence in Malaysia with the introduction of the Tank 300 off-road SUV [1]. This latest addition to the Malaysian market, which is set to be launched in the third quarter of this year, is expected to captivate local consumers with its powerful performance and distinctive design.

The Tank 300, which is currently under preview, boasts a non-hybrid 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four petrol engine that generates an impressive 220 PS (217 hp or 162 kW) and 380 Nm of torque [1]. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system, which features 2H, 4H, 4L functions, as well as front and rear differential locks.

In terms of dimensions, the Tank 300 measures 4,760 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 1,903 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm [1]. It also boasts a ground clearance of 224 mm and a water wading depth of up to 700 mm, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The SUV's design is reminiscent of classic 4x4 vehicles, with its boxy design and chunky cladding. The front bumper is equipped with integrated fog lamps, which accompany the circular LED headlamps with daytime running light strips [1]. Around back, a spare wheel is bolted onto the swing-out tailgate, while the wheels measure 18 inches and are wrapped with Michelin Primacy SUV tires.

Moving inside, the dashboard is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with an upright profile, turbine-look air vents, and a pair of 12.3-inch screens: one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the touchscreen [1]. The center console houses a robust-looking gear selector, as well as controls for the four-wheel drive system, electronic parking brake, and driver assistance systems.

Other features of the Tank 300 include automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, powered front seats, leather upholstery, a Harman Infinity sound system, deep storage cubby under the center armrest, and a powered sunroof [1]. It also comes with a wireless charging pad and offers a range of driver assistance systems, such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Great Wall Motor's partnership with EP Manufacturing Berhad in Malaysia involves CKD production, marking the company's first foray into the ASEAN region [2]. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the growth of Great Wall Motor's presence in Malaysia, following the successful launch of its Ora-branded electric car, the Good Cat.

The Tank brand, which includes hybrid models, has seen a significant sales increase of 87.59% in January-July, with 20.7% of Great Wall Motor's total sales coming from Tank-branded vehicles [3]. With the introduction of the Tank 300, Great Wall Motor is poised to continue its growth and success in the Malaysian market.

References:
[1] Paul Tan. (2024, March 4). GWM Tank 300 previewed in Malaysia ahead of launch in Q3 2024. Retrieved from https://paultan.org/2024/03/04/gwm-tank-300-previewed-in-malaysia-ahead-of-launch-in-q3-2024/
[2] Reuters. (2023, December 12). Great Wall Motor to make cars in Malaysia with EP
Manufacturing deal. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/great-wall-motor-to-make-cars-in-malaysia-with-ep-manufacturing-deal-2023-12-12/
[3] Great Wall Motor. (2024, February 24). 2024 Annual Results. Retrieved from https://www.gwm.cn/en/investor/ir_news/20240224_20300.html