Global automaker GWM (Great Wall Motor) has officially revealed its flagship Tank 700 in Dubai, marking a significant step forward in its “Accelerate Beyond 2026” strategy as the Chinese company expands further into the Middle East and Africa.
The launch took center stage at a three-day GWM Experience event, which brought together hundreds of partners, dealers, and members of the media from across the regions to highlight the company’s innovation roadmap and regional growth plans.
During his keynote address, Parker Shi, President of GWM International, traced the company’s 28-year journey in the Middle East, from its very first pickup truck to a presence spanning more than 170 markets worldwide.
“Our journey began 28 years ago with a modest pickup, but it opened the first chapter of our international story,” Shi said.
“These decades of experience formed the foundation for our next phase of development.”
Shi also highlighted GWM’s “user-first” engineering philosophy, which is supported by 13 R&D centers, 13 manufacturing facilities, and a global user base of 16 million as of November.
He underlined the company’s multi-powertrain strategy:
“We became the first to introduce the full range of powertrains to the Middle East – gasoline, diesel, HEV reflecting our brand positioning of all scenarios, all powertrains, all users.”
Shi confirmed that Hi-4, GWM’s intelligent 4WD electric hybrid system and winner of China SAE’s top engineering award, will be introduced to the Middle East and Africa in 2026.
He also emphasized that the TANK brand is now central to GWM’s global expansion:
“Today, tank models are in more than 13 countries with global sales of over 800,000 units. A passionate user community, nearly 80 tank clubs and 300 online groups worldwide, continues to shape product evolution.”
Unveiling the Tank 700, Shi stressed that the SUV was engineered specifically with the Middle East in mind, undergoing extensive off-road and heat-resistance testing in Saudi Arabia.
“Here, luxury must be proven. It must stay composed in heat, and long distance. We describe it as luxury that conquers.”
GWM CTO Nicole Wu reinforced the company’s full-spectrum powertrain approach:
“Real users have real needs shaped by geography, policy, culture, and infrastructure.”
Richard Zhu, Chief Engineer for Hybrid Systems, added that adherence to global standards has been a cornerstone of GWM’s international growth.
“At GWM we build on standards and dimensions that ensure safety and reliability,” he said.
On the sidelines of the event, Yang Yang, CEO of Zonda Tec Ghana Limited, praised the Tank 700’s reception in Ghana, noting her role in prioritizing the market for the SUV’s rollout.
“I had to convince senior officials that Ghana deserved to be among the first countries for the TANK 700 rollout,” she said. “The market is ready, the enthusiasm is real, and we are committed to ensuring Ghana continues to receive the very best of GWM’s offerings.”
Yang also emphasized that GWM will enhance technical support, after-sales service, and product availability to strengthen its presence in West Africa.
“Our partnership with GWM has been keen to this achievement built on trust and shared goals which exceeds expectations. I am excited for what the future holds,” they said.
The Tank 700 is a full-size SUV from Great Wall Motors under the Tank sub-brand, designed to combine rugged off-road capability with high-end luxury.
Positioned as a premium off-roading vehicle, it competes with established models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Bronco, appealing to consumers seeking both adventure and refinement.
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