GWM Pao is in Malaysia and it wants to shift your attention from the Hilux

After a period of being rather silent, it appears that GWM could be reviving its business here in Malaysia soon, as evident by recent spottings of several Haval and Ora models in a nondescript location in Shah Alam. 

Seen here is the the GWM Pao - a 1-tonne-class pick-up truck that is set to challenge well-established rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara.

GWM Pao? What is it?

During GWM’s brand launch in Thailand, the company made several references to the GWM Pick-up (sold as the Pao in China, Ute in Australia), hinting that they are vying for a slice of the pick-up truck segment in Thailand.

Also Read: Great Wall Motors (GWM) now in Thailand, CKD 2021 Haval H6, other xEVs coming

This particular GWM Pao is motivated by a turbocharged 2-litre diesel engine that does 163 PS and 400 Nm, mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. The Australia emissions sticker on the windshield lists a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.4-litre/100 km.

Infotainment-wise, the Australian market model gets a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. It also features a number of USB ports in the interior, including one located near the rear-view mirror for a dashcam.

Also Read: Spied: Exclusive look at the Haval H6 on Malaysian soil - Be very afraid, X70

The Ute / Pao / pick-up also features a rather comprehensive safety list, encompassing features like autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition system.

Also Read: Spied: Haval First Love spotted in Malaysia!

In Australia, the range-topping variant is priced at AUD 40,990 (~RM 130k), considerably cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Hilux (AUD 68,990 or RM 219k) or Isuzu D-Max (AUD 62,900 or RM 200k).

So when will the GWM Pao go on sale in Malaysia?

Hold your horses.

Just because the GWM Pao (as well as other Haval and Ora models) has been spotted in Malaysia, a market launch may not happen so soon. In fact, the Pao has yet to go on sale in Thailand - GWM's regional hub. We expect the forthcoming Malaysian-spec Pao to be imported from Thailand. 

Also Read: Spied: We got up close and personal with the Ora Good Cat in Malaysia

More importantly, we still do not know who will take up the GWM distributorship in Malaysia. 

GWM's new local distributors are expected to make an announcement in the near future, likely addressing our questions, as well as the availability and pricing of these models in the future.