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GWM is betting big on Haval H9
GWM (or Great Wall Motors) has always been on the quiet side in the country's growing motoring sector, and appears to be biding its time in a highly competitive environment.
This does not mean that the brand does not have the products or capabilities to compete. In fact, it is one of the few brands that offers all types of propulsion types – from full electric, to hybrid, and ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) powered – in all body types.
To date, the brand's most important model has been the refreshed GWM Canon introduced last year, but there is a model on the horizon that could help them become a major player. He's so serious about this model that he invited us to his hometown Baoding in China to experience it firsthand.
It is easy to dismiss Chinese brands as purely profit-minded without regard for quality or R&D (research and development), but that is not the case with GWM.
Not your average automaker
Each brand has its own home turf, and GWM is close to the northern tip of China, a three-hour bus ride from Beijing. For all intents and purposes, Baoding would be considered a small city by Chinese standards, and yet many cities (large or small) in China are actually advanced and well-developed. GWM is a major player in this sector, and it provides a lot of jobs as well as drives the industry forward.
Our first day in Baoding brought us to three major facilities within the GWM production area: the accident and safety test site, the hydrogen plant, and the all-weather wind tunnel. The first one was eye opening. Here in Baoding we have one of the largest and most advanced crash testing facilities not only in China but in all of Asia. On the other hand, the hydrogen plant is a testament to how committed GWM is to pursuing alternative energy solutions through its own R&D, hydrogen fueling station and hydrogen-powered tractor head trucks for commercial haulage.
To be honest, this is to be expected from major global automotive manufacturers; GWM's facilities have been around since the late '80s, and the brand now boasts a full 360-degree manufacturing and testing portfolio. That's still not the best part. That same day, we were brought to the brand's own testing ground, which includes a wide range of test tracks ranging from steep vertical slopes to short test tracks and even a banked high-speed oval.
serious first-hand test
Although we already had a chance to test the cars during our day at the test site, GWM had another surprise for us members of the media. Another two-hour bus ride from Baoding City took us to a place nestled among the small peaks and valleys of northern China, a very picturesque valley that contained an off-road proving ground specifically for the GWM.
This small town was home to a James Bond villain-like property, which was owned by a large GWM dealer in the area. It contained a huge conference building, but the main attraction of the property is the 3.8 kilometer off-road test track.
This setting features all the possible torture tests that any car can endure, from off-roading sections, water crossings, sand and very deep ravines – not to mention various steep descents and descents through the hills. Although confident in our driving skills, on this day, GWM decided that we should be passengers for this activity. At first, we raised our eyebrows, but I'm glad we didn't drive.
Along with two other media members, I sat in my Haval H9 seat. The H9 is GWM's mid-size, three-row SUV (set for launch in the Philippines on February 4). Almost immediately, in my honest opinion, we were faced with the most insane and intense testing journey we have ever experienced. Our driver spared us no subtleties; We first went over some piles of gravel, showing wheel articulation, then we literally went down the stairs. Next was an incline test that took us up and down 40-degrees. All this action took place in a span of five minutes.
This was just a taste of what was to come. Eventually we crossed the property and went into the woods, and our driver drove aggressively at quite some speed into a river. Then, we hopped on a bad gravel path before climbing a steep hill. Now, going up a steep hill that is not paved requires caution, but we went up at full speed, large rocks constantly damaging the underchassis.
I must say that during this entire test trip, the H9 didn't struggle or even give any indication that it was about to veer off course or roll down a hill. The driver knew the car could take it and kept powering it. It should also be noted that no panels came off the car, and the suspension felt fine, with no broken bushings or shock absorbers, considering this is not the first time the H9 test unit has undertaken this route.
GWM means business
This isn't the first time I've driven GWM cars, but this trip to China confirmed what I'd long suspected; Brand means business. The Haval H9 is the right car at the right time and will be priced right for the brand. That off-road ride experience confirmed everything they'd shown us throughout the trip, that features and interaction points aren't just for show.