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Australia’s latest auto model GAC has confirmed plans to launch a hybrid-powered dual-cab ute to tackle the BYD Shark 6, in addition to Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, in 2027.
Chatting with CarExpert on the model’s official Australian model launch in Sydney this week, GAC Worldwide president Wei Haigang mentioned the automaker – China’s fourth largest – plans to convey a ute to native showrooms inside 18 months.
“To be sincere, we’re a little bit bit late in growing our pickups,” Mr Wei mentioned. “However within the Shanghai auto present this April [2025], we confirmed the idea pickup with the hybrid powertrain.”
Badged because the Pickup 01, the Shanghai idea featured a ‘sci-fi’ exterior design akin to the Tesla Cybertruck and the latest Hyundai Crater idea. It was primarily based on a brand new platform dubbed GAC Adaptive Clever Structure (GAIA), which is but for use for any showroom mannequin from GAC.
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It featured a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain – just like the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger PHEV already in Australian showrooms – though particular particulars of the setup haven’t been revealed.
“Presently, we’re beginning the chances and feasibility about launching the pickups with the New Vitality [electrified powertrain] into the Australia market, which may meet the calls for [of customers],” mentioned Mr Wei.
“We hope that we will make that mannequin prepared by 2027 to launch into the Australian market,” he confirmed.
GAC’s first hybrid mannequin in Australian showrooms is the M8 folks mover – the primary PHEV folks mover from any model in Australia – which mixes a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a single electrical motor.
The native arm of GAC can be contemplating the S7 massive hybrid SUV, which is obtainable in China in single- and dual-electric motor variations teamed with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
However a dual-cab ute would play an much more important position in GAC’s objective of turning into a high 10 auto model in Australia by 2030 – a goal that might require it to promote round 43,000 autos yearly, primarily based on the gross sales efficiency of Tenth-placed GWM final yr.
Australia’s two hottest auto manufacturers each have a dual-cab ute as their best-seller to date in 2025 – the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger – exhibiting how essential utes proceed to be to this market’s largest automaker.
In Ford’s case, the Ranger contributes round two-thirds of the US automaker’s complete gross sales quantity in Australia.
In line with Toyota Australia, the native market has reached ‘peak ute’ and the corporate has indicated the favored RAV4 mid-size SUV might be its hottest mannequin long-term, having outsold the HiLux for the primary time in 2024.
Along with the M8 folks mover, GAC arrives in Australia this month with the petrol-powered Emzoom small SUV and the Aion V mid-size electrical SUV.
MORE: Discover the GAC showroom
