Great Wall Motors (GWM) is celebrating its 28th consecutive year as China’s top pickup truck manufacturer, reporting strong global sales for 2025. The company sold 181,660 pickups worldwide, driven by success in both domestic and international markets. In China, GWM claims nearly 50% of the pickup market, meaning one in two pickups sold there wears a GWM badge. Overseas sales reached 63,784 units, a 17% year-on-year increase, positioning GWM as the leading Chinese pickup brand by export volume.
Australia has become a key market for GWM. The Cannon lineup saw significant growth in 2025, recording 12,412 sales, a 34.1% increase compared to the previous year, according to VFACTS data. The Cannon Alpha contributed 2,524 units to this total, a 38.8% jump, fueled by increasing customer adoption of GWM’s Hi4-T PHEV technology.
In a noteworthy achievement, the Cannon and Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV successfully conquered Beer O’Clock Hill, an infamously difficult off-road obstacle in Australia. According to GWM, the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV became the first electrified vehicle to achieve this feat, highlighting the potential of combining electrification with off-road capability. CarExpert recognized this accomplishment by awarding it “Best Electrified Ute” in 2025.
GWM is also investing in traditional combustion engines, introducing a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 Cannon with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This powertrain delivers 260kW of power and 500Nm of torque. The V6 Cannon was tested in the grueling Taklimakan Rally, securing six stage wins in the T2.1 production fuel category.
GWM operates in over 60 countries, with a strong presence in markets like Australia, South Africa, and Chile. The company commenced production at its Brazilian manufacturing facility in August 2025, enabling local assembly of the 2.4-litre GWM Cannon for the Latin American market. GWM reports that cumulative global pickup sales have exceeded 2.85 million units.
Automotive accessory companies are taking notice of the growing popularity of utes, as ARB recently unveiled their ‘Tango’ Load System as a versatile alternative to traditional canopies for dual cab utes.
GWM actively participates in the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers’ Pickup Truck Branch, advocating for regulatory reform and innovation. The company supports its global operations with research and development centers, manufacturing facilities, and distribution networks.