Chinese brand GWM has hinted that it will enter the pick-up market, priming its Cannon model for a UK launch.
The firm has released a preview image of the pick-up and said it will launch a new “rough, tough and go-anywhere” model next month. The image shows a front end that matches up with the Cannon.
GWM added that the new model is aimed at “customers and businesses looking to ‘pick-up’ a capable and tough vehicle”, indicating the new model’s positioning.
The Cannon is already sold in right-hand-drive form in Australia, where prices range from $34,800 to $49,990 (£16,900 to £24,300). It is offered with a choice of 161bhp 2.0-litre and 181bhp 2.4-litre diesel powerplants, with the latter gaining four-wheel drive. The range of available bodies includes single- and double-cab tippers and a double-cab with a traditional load bay.
UK prices and specifications have yet to be disclosed, but the Cannon is expected to compete with the likes of the Isuzu D-Max, KGM Musso and Ford Ranger when it arrives here. Deliveries are earmarked to begin in September.
The Cannon is also sold in other global markets as the Poer and the P-Series.
The expansion into a new segment comes after GWM launched its first combustion-powered car in the UK, the Haval Jolion Pro. That joined the Ora 03 (née Funky Cat), which has so far struggled to generate much sales traction.
