Beyond only having the steering wheel on the right-hand side, there are many more parallels between the automotive markets in Pakistan and South Africa. especially in light of the models that Chinese automakers have launched in both markets.
We have seen this almost identical pattern—and possibly even the timing of the introduction of similar vehicles in South Africa and then Pakistan—with the offerings of FAW in the past and Chery, BAIC, and Haval in the current era.
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Sazgar has recently expanded its product portfolio in Pakistan with the introduction of the Ora 03 EV and the GWM Tank 500 SUV, with Haval H6, H6 hybrid, and Jolion already being sold among the locally assembled offerings. On the other hand, GWM has just unveiled 4 new models that are set to be introduced in the South African market in the forthcoming months. While these include our recently introduced Tank 500, the company also unveiled the GWM P500 pickup truck which has similar underpinnings as the Tank 500.
The P500 is a luxury double-cab pickup and is known as GWM’s flagship model in its pickup truck range. With a length of 5,440 mm, the GWM P500 is considerably larger than the Toyota Hilux (5,335 mm). It has a novel electrically-operated split tailgate that can flip down in one piece in the traditional way or open horizontally in two sections, like barn doors. It also features a deluxe interior with a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable rear seats with heating, and wireless charging even for the back-row passengers.
The P500 will be offered in petrol HEV and diesel configurations in South Africa. The petrol HEV variants will get a 2.0L engine good for 342hp/ 648Nm mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The diesel derivatives will source power from a 2.4L 181 hp/ 480 Nm turbocharged engine paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Both models are equipped with a 4WD system and boast up to 3.5 tonnes of towing power.
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In Pakistan, Toyota Hilux’s supremacy has remained unshaken. Although the Isuzu D-Max appeared as a competition, it failed to undermine the Hilux’s dominance as the preferred choice. MG showcased the Extender pickup on a few occasions, as did Changan with their Hunter pickup, but neither appears to have any genuine ambitions to introduce a pickup truck in our market.
With GWM introducing the P500 in South Africa, there is a faint possibility that Sazgar might introduce this vehicle in Pakistan somewhere down the line. However, this could just be a wishful thinking. Do you think the GWM P500 pickup will be a worthy addition to pickup truck offerings should the company consider introducing it in our market, let us know with your comments.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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