Great Wall Motor (GWM) is stirring up excitement with hints of an upcoming sixth brand and a new retro-inspired model. Li Fei, GWM’s Chief Engineer of drive-by-wire chassis, dropped the news on Chinese social media, prompting speculation about the automaker’s latest venture.
Teaser images showcase a distinct retro vintage design for the new vehicle. This new model, according to Li’s post, isn’t just another addition to an existing lineup. It’s something entirely fresh, marking the debut of a new product series for GWM.
Li emphasizes that the new model’s exterior design boldly deviates from GWM’s current five brands. It steers clear of Haval’s mainstream SUV image, Tank’s rugged off-road vibe, Wey’s tech-luxury focus, Ora’s trendy electric vehicle positioning, and Great Wall Poer’s pickup truck characteristics. This new approach signals a deliberate expansion into uncharted stylistic territory for the company.
From the teaser images, we can spot a striking large chrome rear bumper, a graceful rounded and elongated body, and a distinctive, elongated string of letters for an identifier at the rear. These elements hint at a vehicle that embraces classic automotive aesthetics while likely incorporating modern technology under the hood.
Beyond this intriguing new brand, GWM is also pushing forward with its high-end market ambitions. Earlier in 2025, the automaker established the “Ultra Luxury Vehicle Business Group,” spearheaded by Chairman Wei Jianjun. The plan is to roll out vehicles with price tags exceeding one million yuan (around 142,000 USD), positioning GWM to compete in the premium segment.
The Chinese automotive landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with manufacturers constantly innovating and expanding their portfolios. GWM’s move to introduce a retro-inspired model under a new brand demonstrates a keen awareness of diverse consumer tastes and a willingness to explore niche markets. This strategic play could attract a new demographic of buyers who appreciate a blend of classic design and modern performance.
In terms of sales performance, GWM logged impressive numbers in November, with 133,200 vehicles sold, marking a 4.57% year-on-year increase. Their cumulative sales for 2025 reached 1,199,700 units, a healthy 9.26% increase compared to the same period last year. The new energy vehicle segment (NEV) also saw strong growth, with 40,113 units sold in November, up 11.43% year-on-year, and cumulative NEV sales hitting 243,500 units for 2025. Overseas markets were particularly robust, with a 32.70% year-on-year increase and 57,309 vehicles sold, contributing to a cumulative overseas sales figure of 368,700 units from January to November. This strong performance, especially in the NEV sector, aligns with the broader trend in China’s EV market, where Chinese EV makers continue to break records.
The industry is seeing rapid advancements, highlighted by developments like breakthroughs in solid-state battery technology and the ongoing push for steer-by-wire systems. GWM’s commitment to growing its brand presence and exploring new segments is a testament to the dynamic nature of the Chinese auto industry.
As GWM continues to expand its reach and diversify its offerings, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting more details about this mysterious sixth brand and its retro-inspired debut. It will be interesting to see how this new direction influences GWM’s market position and what innovations it brings to the competitive auto landscape.
