GWM unveils all-wheel-drive technology for hybrids

Great Wall Motors has unveiled an all-wheel-drive hybrid technology, as the largest SUV maker in China endeavors to improve its competitive edge in the NEV sector.

The first model sporting the technology, called Hi4, will hit the market in April. Mu Feng, president of the carmaker, said all of the company's NEV models will feature the all-wheel-drive technology from 2024.

He added that Great Wall Motors will focus on plug-in hybrids in terms of models for private families "at least before 2025".

The Hi4 has an option of two engines, one naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine and the other a 1.5-liter turbocharged ones.

With an output up to 340 kW, it can go with models from segment A to C. Its electric range can reach over 100 km.

Great Wall Motors sold 1.07 million vehicles in 2022, of which NEVs were 131,800 units. The company expects its sales to reach 1.6 million units this year.

Last year, over 6.78 million electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids were sold in China, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. The figure is expected to reach 9 million units this year, said the CAAM.