The eagle-eyed and inquisitive might have noticed a flurry of activity around  Haval and GWM's massive parts warehouse in Durban - what with loaded trucks leaving the premises, signaling "good-bye" to this facility. A facility that has done sterling duty for over a decade.

And - before we go any further - remember that the two companies are intertwined, with Haval as a purveyor of posh SUVs basically being a prestige sub-brand of Great Wall Motors.

Recently, Brand Finance, a recognized third-party brand evaluation firm of UK, published a ranking list - Top 100 most valuable auto brands 2018, in which 21 auto brands of China are included.

The most notable one is HAVAL, the SUV leader- HAVAL, with its value jumped in rank from 29th in the last year to 16th in 2018, is included in the rank of global top 20, and also moves ahead of such world famous auto brands as Ferrari, Tesla, Aston Martin and Volvo. What's more, HAVAL goes ahead of other automobile enterprises in China and ranks the first among the most valuable auto brands of China.

Hydrogen Council issued its new comers on March 13. There are 6 steering committees like GWM, 3M and National Energy Administration and 5 supporting members like Hexagon. It should be noticed that GWM is the first Chinese automobile enterprise member of Hydrogen Council. Meanwhile, Audi, BMW, Daimler, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and other well-known multinational auto corporations are members of Hydrogen Council

Hydrogen Council was set up in 2017 Davos World Economic Forum and it aims to promote development of hydrogen technology in global energy structure transition and curb global warming. In addition to famous automakers, Anglo American plc, Air Liquide (France), Iwatani, Linde, Shell, Statoil, Total, etc. are also members of Hydrogen Council.

It has to rate as one of the most undersung secrets on the South African automotive scene – and now it's back.

Yup, it's the GWM H5. And I, for one, am delighted that it's been refreshed and reintroduced after a brief absence from the sales charts.

Internationally renowned SUV brand Haval Motors South Africa has made its formal arrival on local shores on 31 May 2017 at a glittering event which showcased their desire to impress. And impress it did… Newly renovated Kyalami International Race Track was the stage for the unveiling of the vehicle which Haval Motors South Africa believes will take the South African market by storm, the Haval H2.

Five stars. That's what the Chinese buying public has given Haval – which has been the best-selling SUV in its home country for 14 consecutive years, with over one-million units finding new homes last year.

Five stars – that's what the H2 subcompact SUV, just launched in South Africa, gets for everything from style and sophistication to refinement and robustness. Not to mention equipment levels, with top-range models being lavished with everything from six-way electrically adjustable driver's seat to auto headlamps and wipers, while all derivatives boast front, side and curtain airbags. Buyers also get to enjoy the likes of durable, man-made leather upholstery and a high-resolution touch-screen infotainment system, while the whole package is brilliantly built.

And five stars – that's what the H2 scored in CNCAP crash testing. Important this, given that certain other, lesser Chinese brands have in the past hardly covered themselves in glory when it comes to crashworthiness, to be frank.

But then Haval is hardly just “another” Chinese brand.

Instead, it's a name that the South African motoring public is rapidly going to become familiar with. Especially given that GWM is now fully controlled by its Chinese parent company, with the local subsidiary trading as Haval Motors South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

Haval vehicles themselves represent a prestigious sub-brand of GWM – which in turn has sold over 55 000 vehicles since it debuted on the South African market exactly a decade ago.

And of course GWM products will still continue to be available. Among them, the newly relaunched H5 and H6, and refreshed Steed bakkie line ups, to but skim the surface.

The Haval H2, meanwhile, enters a hugely competitive segment, and promises much, as does its smaller sibling, the H1.

The H2's performance is brisk with 105kW and 202Nm of torque to the front wheels thanks to a 1.5-litre turbopetrol motor, while gear changes are taken care of via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Safety, sophistication and standard equipment levels are stellar, as mentioned.

But above all it's Haval's value factor that's going to appeal in these economically interesting times.

Tyrone Alberts, National Sales Manager, Haval Motors South Africa, pretty much nails it when he says:

“Due to the very volatile interest rates, and South Africa being downgraded to `Junk Status,' the South African public are currently value-starved.

“Haval now provides a rational choice to our valued customers, with a quality SUV that by no means is a newbie in the automotive industry.

“Haval currently has 75 000 employees worldwide, has the capacity to produce more than one-million vehicles per annum, and has been the best-selling SUV brand in China for 14 consecutive years.

“Haval China is fully dedicated to supporting the South African market and is expecting to make serious in-roads into the local SUV market, selling quality vehicles at extremely reasonable prices.

“Parts will not be a concern, as we currently have a first pick rate of 91%. Haval H2 is proudly backed by a five-year/100 000km warranty, five-year/60 000km service plan, and a five-year/unlimited km roadside assistance. That's got to put it among the market leaders”

Adds Tyrone: “We at Haval Motors South Africa are very proud of our brand, and appreciate just how important our customers are. It's imperative that they know they can have peace of mind purchasing a Haval, which we expect to become a brand to be reckoned with on the local front.”

PRICING H2 1.5T City 6M/T R244900
H2 1.5T City 6A/T R279900
H2 1.5T Premium 6M/T R254900
H2 1.5TH Premium 6A/T R289900
H2 1.5T Luxury 6M/T R274900
H2 1.5T Luxury 6A/T R309900
· Warranty: 5 Year/100 000km
· Service Plan: 5 Year/60 000km
· Road Side Assistance: 5 Year/Unlimited

An SUV is a fantastic vehicle for South Africa. It lets you float seamlessly between off-roading and city driving by offering the comfort of a sedan and the ride height of a 4x4. And, if you’re in the hunt for an SUV, you can’t do better than the GWM M4.

With sleek looks, supreme comfort and entertainment, leading safety features, and a sublime mixture of power and economy, the M4 is all the SUV you could ever want. But, in order to ensure that you always get the most out of it, there are a few things you can do.

Here are some tips that you might find helpful when it comes to keeping your SUV running smoothly:

GWM SUV service intervals are every 15,000 kilometres, or one year (whichever comes first) . It is highly recommended that you have your SUV serviced at each of these intervals. Aside from keeping your car running smoothly, this maintains your warranty.

Somehow service intervals always manage to coincide with other expenses. But having a service plan avoids this issue, meaning that your services are covered for the next 5 years or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

As mentioned, maintaining your warranty is important. This means that you don’t pay for any replacement parts or workmanship covered by the warranty. But, by having work done outside of approved dealers or service centres, you may void your warranty.

Especially in the summer months, fluids can evaporate quickly. So make sure that you keep them all topped up. This is important for everything from engine fluids to your windscreen washer tank.

Driving on under-inflated tyres increases tyre wear as well as fuel economy. And, with SUV tyres being bigger, this effect is amplified with these vehicles. You can save money by checking your tyres regularly and keeping them correctly inflated.

Keeping your tank filled above the halfway mark can save you a significant amount of fuel. This is because it limits fuel condensation. And, with the M4 being so economical, you won’t find yourself having to fork out for costly full-tank fill-ups.

Your SUV can deal with a range of driving conditions, and handle them like a pro. But, that being said, bounding through fields of jagged boulders, for example, places unnecessary stress on your vehicle. Try to take the easiest path in order to keep your vehicle in the best condition possible.

SUVs are slightly heavier vehicles, which means that they ideally need more time to slow down. The M4 has ABS and EBD fitted, so you won’t find yourself snatching wheels, but it helps preserve the life of your brake material to allow extra room to stop.

If you have been pushing through rough terrain, you might have done a bit of damage that you didn’t notice straight away. So, it helps to listen out for any different sounds that your car might be making. If anything catches your attention, have it looked at as soon as possible.

The M4 is a compact crossover, so it’s not difficult to manoeuvre. That being said, if you are used to smaller cars, it helps to exercise added caution when parking and out on the road.

A Tenth Anniversary is special in anyone’s book. But, ours means a lot to us because it represents ten years of support from the wonderful motorists of South Africa. Traditionally the 10th Anniversary gift is tin, but we’re not happy with that. Instead, we’d like to give away cash in the form of huge savings on our bakkies!

Just to say a big ‘THANK YOU’ to everyone who helped make GWM so welcome in South Africa, we’re knocking up to R30,000 off the prices of some of our vehicles. To give you a better idea of what this means for you, here is a closer look at some of our vehicles on promotion:

The GWM M4 is a superlative SUV that is very popular across the globe but especially loved by South Africans. This is because its rugged exterior and ground clearance, coupled with its luxurious interior, make it the perfect vehicle for both city and off-road driving. And, with our spectacular cities and untouched wilderness, the M4 is the perfect vehicle to explore the country in.

With our 10th Anniversary special you can save up to R20,000 on this brilliantly versatile SUV.

The Steed 5 is nothing if not rugged. Built to withstand some of the harshest off-road environments, the safety and power of this machine are more than anyone could ask for. But, that is not to say that it is a one-trick pony. With supreme comfort and entertainment in the cabin, the ride is always enjoyable, regardless of the terrain.

You can save up to R30,000 on the Steed 5 with our 10th Anniversary special.

With refined looks and an added emphasis on the luxury of the cabin, the Steed 5E puts comfort in the driving seat. This fantastic vehicle is aimed at the more leisure-oriented drivers, but doesn’t leave any of the signature Steed toughness behind.

You could save R25,000 on this brilliant vehicle with our 10th Anniversary special.

The Steed 6 ups the ante on all fronts. Combine exceptional features with raw yet economic power, enhanced safety, and luxurious comfort and entertainment, and you have the perfect ingredients for a heart-stopping double cab.

A 10th Anniversary comes around but once, and we want you to take full advantage of it. So, to get your hands on these amazing machines at these incredible discounts, be sure to contact GWM today!

Named after the Great Wall of China that runs through its home province, GWM or Great Wall Motors, has established itself as one of the world’s leading suppliers of single cab bakkies and double cab bakkies. Having begun life in 1984, GWM soon expanded across the globe based on the company’s fine workmanship and affordable prices. Some years after that, it is remarkable to think that GWM dealerships have been bringing motoring pleasure to South African drivers for an entire decade.

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun: A Decade of GWM Single and Double Cab Bakkies in SA

GWM got off to a flying start in South Africa. Having entered the market in March 2007, it didn’t take long before we started bringing fans to our ranks. People just took to our Brand partly because of the fact that our prices are lower than our competitors, but most importantly because we build tough, comfortable, versatile vehicles.

We started off supplying double and single cab bakkies, but it wasn’t long before South African motorists wanted more. We realised that there was a big market for more passenger oriented vehicles. Enter the GWM SUV and sedan!

Today we are proud to have a large amount of SUVs and family sedans on the road right alongside our range of bakkies. And, with March marking our Ten Year Anniversary in South Africa, we’re sure there is about to be a lot more of our vehicles taking to the road.

This is because we couldn’t let such a momentous occasion pass without giving something back to the motorists who have made this past decade such a pleasure.

During March we have been offering specials on some of our vehicle models in order to show the public how much we appreciate their support. We’ve knocked up to R30,000 off some of our prices, just to celebrate these past 10 Years in South Africa.

And, if the support we’ve experienced over the past decade is anything to go by, the future looks very bright indeed. We’re sure that, with the continued enthusiasm of the wonderful South African motorists, GWM will only grow stronger in its ability to supply high quality vehicles at very affordable prices. Here’s to the next Ten Years!

If you would like to be a part of the GWM family and get behind the wheel of one of these incredible machines, be sure to contact us today!

The hatchback has been with us for a good few decades now, and how it has changed motoring for all of us. The hatchback introduces the world to cheap, reliable motoring that’s convenient for the family and is able to take on long journeys.

Over the years, the hatchback has been altered and adapted to suit an ever-changing market. From small, affordable cars to expensive speed machines. Some were even turned into bakkies! The idea that the hatchback has made an impact on the automotive world is surely an understatement. So what is new?

The GWM M4 aims to reignite what the hatchback did by introducing the automotive market to premium and capable SUVs at an affordable price. And here’s how it aims to do so.

The GWM M4 specs a stylish and modern facia, with a sleek design featuring a piano black dashboard. The interior comes specified with an advanced infotainment system that seamlessly connects to your Bluetooth and supports USB and aux. A nice feature to have when you want to turn your interior into a personal DJ booth.

Rugged styling

The exterior is built for adventure. With hardened and treated plastic bumpers surrounding the bottom of the GWM M4, drivers can hit the open road and venture off track if the mood takes them. With a floating roof rack, the GWM M4 specs more storage space than most will ever need. And no GWM M4 review is complete without looking at the raised ground clearance. Hills and rocky roads are no match for it’s able stance.

Any GWM M4 for sale comes standard with great engine and warranty. The 1.5 VVT-I engine produces 71.3 kW at 6 000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is kept at a low of 7.2 litres/100 km (combined cycle), with the performance managed through a smooth 5-speed manual transmission.

Each GWM M4 for sale also comes standard with GWM’s comprehensive 5-year/100 000 km warranty and 2-years/24-hour roadside assistance. An optional 5-years/60 000 km sevice plan is also available.

The new year is around the corner and many South African will be looking to start off 2017 in style. What most are going to do is look for a new car. But is the car you’re looking for up to standard?

The GWM M4 caters to several automotive consumers with its diverse design, all-round practicality, neat creature comforts and trendy design. Here’s how these features can help in everyday life by doing a basic GWM M4 review of the GWM M4 specs.

The GWM M4 specs an advanced infotainment system featuring Bluetooth audio with auxiliary and USB that turns the interior into your very own Sydney Opera House. Great quality audio can make any trip into an adventure worth remembering.

Speaking of adventure, any GWM M4 for sale features excellent ground clearance and rugged, capable design. This allows for adventures off the beaten track. It also gives you the added advantage of taking your GWM M4 on most gravel roads without a moment’s hesitation.

The GWM M4 SUV features a beautifully styled floating roof rack that comes on handy when you want to pack more than the boot can carry. Simply put large items such as a bicycle or canoe on the roof rails, tie them down and off you go!

Another neat feature you can find on any GWM M4 for sale is the large capacity boot. The space can be increased once the 60:40 split rear seats are folded down. Great for when you pop down to the shops and need a bit more storage capacity than usual.

The New Year is almost here and if you are planning on starting the year off with a new set of wheels, then you will want to visit a GWM dealership and have a look at the new bakkie deals and daily specials.

This compact SUV will take you through bustling city streets and across stunning landscapes in style. With a comfortable interior and a range of entertainment features, this vehicle is guaranteed to make any road trip an exciting one. Starting at R189 900, the GWM M4 comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. It also comes with standard and optional service plans.

Whether you opt for the single or the double cab, you won’t be disappointed. The single cabs are tough workhorses and designed for hard work. The single cab Steed 5 comes with comfort features such as power steering and air-conditioning which enables you to do your work without breaking a sweat. The Steed 5 double cab is designed for adventure and exciting family road trips. Starting from R189 900, you can get a reliable and stylish set of wheels without breaking the bank.

With a tough, sophisticated exterior and a stylish, refined interior, the Steed 5E is the ideal leisure-orientated double cab bakkie for motorists. Complete with safety features and a range of comfort and entertainment options, the Steed 5E will make any journey – no matter how long – a pleasant one. Starting from R234 900, the price is only just one of the many attractive things about this vehicle.

The Steed 6 is designed for motorists who refuse to settle for anything but the best. With power, advanced safety features and a range of other luxuries, the Steed 6 will make a huge impression wherever you go. The Steed 6 is available from R299 900. If you are looking for a vehicle which best suits your lifestyle, visit a GWM dealership and have a look at the new bakkies for sale today.

When you’re in the market for a GWM Steed Double Cab bakkie, you’re faced with 3 options. The GWM Steed 5, GWM Steed 5E and GWM Steed 6. All three models are made to GWM’s standards and designed to be practical, comfortable and stylish.

All GWM Steed models might seem like great deals from the get-go but each GWM Steed model offers something different to the other. Let’s see what each model brings to the table.

The GWM Steed 5 is the only model in the range that’s also available as a Single Cab. The Steed 5 is made to be the all-rounder bakkie, a workhorse during the week and a family car on the weekends. The GWM Steed 5 caters to the market that looking for a tough vehicle that won’t break the bank. So if you are in the market for something that’s affordable, practical and comfortable, the Steed 5 is the one to consider.

The Steed 5E is the premium version of the standard Steed 5 model, featuring more creature comforts and a redesigned facia. Built on the same chassis as the tough Steed 5, Steed 5E owners can expect to get more premium and luxurious features for the extra cost. Fitting in comfortably between the Steed 5 and Steed 6 models, the Steed 5E is GWM’s mid-class offering the bakkie market.

The GWM Steed 6 can be considered as the ultimate bakkie in the range. The GWM Steed 6 caters for a market that wants the best a bakkie can offer in terms of luxury, style and capability. It might have a premium price compared to the rest of the GWM Steed range, but it’s priced affordably compared to its rivals in the market. The GWM Steed 6 was also awarded the 2015 Bakkie of the Year by SA Bakkie & Truck Magazine.

Whichever GWM Steed model you choose, you can rest in the knowledge that each GWM Steed model comes with a 3-5 year warranty, corrosion cover and unlimited towing assistance from the Automobile Association.

GWM is well-known for providing top quality and reliable vehicles. However, our service doesn’t come to an end the moment a customer leaves the dealership floor in a brand new bakkie. With GWM, motorists are guaranteed various aspects of owner support, including parts support, approved repair centres, warranty and service plans and 24 hour AA roadside assistance.

At GWM, your safety comes first. And, since our aim is to ensure you enjoy a hassle-free drive at all times, we offer 24 hour AA roadside assist cover for two years for all new GWM vehicles. With this exclusive cover, AA Fleet Care will come to the rescue of stranded GWM customers and assists with basic on-site repairing and towing. This incredible service offer is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, including public holidays.

Roadside assistance services on offer:
• Assistance with changing flat tyres.
• If you run out of fuel, you will be provided with a maximum of five litres of fuel.
• A jump start should you need it. This is limited to two callouts each year. Anymore will be for your account.
• Battery replacement.
• Towing. Should you have a breakdown, AA will organise for your vehicle to be towed to the nearest approved GWM dealer.
• Basic roadside repairs to get you up and running again. These include electrical repairs, coil replacements as well as battery and immobiliser related breakdowns.
• Towing. Should you break down on the side of the road, the AA will arrange for your vehicle to be towed to the nearest GWM approved dealer.
For more information about the 24 hour roadside assist cover, contact a GWM dealership. Alternatively, visit www.gwm.co.za Image credit: GWM George

Single Cab bakkies are embedded into South African culture. They have helped shaped the country, from driving crops up and down dusty roads, helping small construction companies to doubling up as a makeshift swimming pool during rugby matches.

Whichever way you look at it, Single Cab bakkies are part of South Africa. So why are they so loved? Here are a few reasons why they are so loved in South Africa.

South Africans love being practical, so the bakkie should be to. A flat bed with simple locking, much like the GWM Steed 5 Single Cab, is ideal for when you want to load and unload heavy items. Due to the large amount of space in SA, people tend to purchase bigger things. Larger sofas and larger fridges are easily transported using a Single Cab.

Single Cab bakkies are usually specified with few features, as practicality is key to this model. With 2-3 seats in the front, Single Cab models transport only the necessary, driver and items. This is great for small companies or farmers. The GWM Steed 5 Single Cab 4x2 Workhorse is a great example of affordable practicality.

Due to their practicality and simplicity, they have little that goes wrong. Single Cab bakkies are known as workhorses, muels that lug around heavy loads to areas that most cars dare to go. As for as purpose goes, any Single Cab bakkie for sale can expect a tough life. We’re not saying that Double Cab bakkies such as the Steed 5 Double Cab or Steed 5E aren’t durable, but their premium interiors are designed to cater for a more style conscious market.

When looking at Single Cab vs Double Cab bakkies, the one thing that always makes the single cab for sale a better prospect is price. You get tons of practicality at a highly affordable price. Great deal for any South African consumer.

When you are looking at the list of Single Cab bakkies for sale it’s best you make sure to consider what you want and how you will utilise it. The utility is ultimately the deciding factor when you consider Single Cab vs Double Cab bakkies.