GWM Sets October Registration Record as Jaecoo, Ford Respond to Chinese Competition

Summary

GWM New Zealand registered 667 new vehicles in October, a record for a single month and ahead of the previous high set in June. Jaecoo's first seven-seat model, the J8 SHS-P plug-in hybrid,

will launch in New Zealand this month in a single Summit trim priced from NZ$68, 990, with 315kW combined system output and a claimed 169km of electric-only range. Ford plans to launch a low-cost ute positioned below the Ranger in global markets in 2027,

with lower manufacturing costs than the Ranger, aimed at countering competition from Chinese brands; the model could come to New Zealand.

Commentary

GWM New Zealand's record October registrations underline the momentum of Chinese brands in the local market. Its Ora Good Cat topped the electric vehicle registration table, reflecting growing acceptance of high-value electric models among small businesses and fleet buyers. The Jaecoo J8, from NZ$68,990, offers 315kW plug-in hybrid power and 169km of electric range, competing directly with models such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV but at about NZ$15,000 less, potentially squeezing Japanese brands' share of the seven-seat SUV segment.

Ford plans a cheaper ute below the Ranger for 2027 to counter Chinese competition, but the timing lags and Chinese brands are already established in the ute segment (such as the GWM Cannon). New Zealand small and medium business owners should note that Chinese brands, leveraging price and specification advantages, are accelerating into mainstream segments, which could affect used-vehicle residuals and aftersales networks. At the same time, the spread of plug-in hybrids will affect business vehicle tax deductions and charging infrastructure demand.

Keywords: GWM, Jaecoo J8, Ford ute, new vehicle registrations, plug-in hybrid, New Zealand vehicle market

Photo by Dasun Ransinghe on Pexels

Source: The Full Brief NZ