Wey, Great Wall Motor’s premium automotive brand, has launched its high-end Gaoshan MPV – rebranded as the G9 Hi4 – in Thailand. The plug-in hybrid vehicle carries a price tag of $73,000 (2.349 million Thai Baht), marking a key step in the company’s Southeast Asian expansion.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The G9 Hi4’s $73,000 price point positions it as a luxury offering in the Thai market. For comparison, the same model in China sells for between $40,000 and $49,500, reflecting higher costs associated with export, taxes, and localization. This price suggests Wey is targeting affluent buyers who value premium features and cutting-edge technology.
Dimensions and Specifications
The G9 Hi4 boasts impressive dimensions: 5.05 meters long, 1.985 meters wide, and 1.9 meters high, with a 3.085-meter wheelbase. These figures closely mirror the domestic Gaoshan 7 model, though the Hi4 is marginally wider.
Inside, the MPV is packed with high-end amenities, including LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, a head-up display, “zero-gravity” second-row seats, a built-in refrigerator, and a massive 17.3-inch rear entertainment screen.
Powertrain and Range
The G9 Hi4’s powertrain combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with dual electric motors, producing a combined output of 442 horsepower and 642 N·m of torque. The vehicle features a 44.28 kWh battery pack, enabling a 170 km (106 miles) pure electric range under NEDC standards. This plug-in hybrid system blends performance with fuel efficiency, making it suitable for long-distance travel and city commutes.
Great Wall Motor’s Thai Expansion
Wey’s entry into Thailand follows Great Wall Motor’s strategic investment in the country’s automotive sector. In 2020, the company acquired General Motors’ Rayong plant for approximately $700 million, marking the first time a Chinese automaker established a wholly-owned presence in the Thai market. Renovations were completed in June 2021, with the Haval H6 HEV being the first model produced locally.
GWM’s expansion into Thailand demonstrates a calculated move to capture market share in a key Southeast Asian automotive hub. The investment in local manufacturing, coupled with the launch of premium models like the G9 Hi4, signals a long-term commitment to the region.
This launch is part of a broader trend of Chinese automakers expanding globally. Thailand’s relatively open market and established automotive infrastructure make it an attractive entry point for brands like Wey seeking to compete with established Japanese and European players.
