GWM Increases Production of Tank 300 PHEV as Fuel Prices Rise in Australia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - GWM is reportedly increasing production of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Tank 300 in Australia amid declining interest in diesel engines due to rising petrol (BBM) prices in the country. According to Drive, on Thursday local time, the Chinese car manufacturer had previously estimated that the PHEV variant would account for around 30 per cent of total Tank 300 sales in Australia. However, GWM now projects that demand for the PHEV variant will rise to match the petrol and diesel models. This change in projections comes as petrol prices increase due to global geopolitical tensions, prompting consumers to switch to more efficient vehicles. “As everyone knows, fuel prices have risen sharply, and now diesel is $1 more expensive than petrol. I think at this time, the (Tank) 300 PHEV will help these customers to ease the fuel cost burden, and they can enjoy outdoor activities very easily,” said Gao. According to Gao, orders for the hybrid vehicle are very high, even exceeding initial estimates. In the past month, they have asked the factory to temporarily increase production of the Tank 300 PHEV model. “We expect the volume to be twice as much as before for the Tank 300 (PHEV),” said Gao. The hybrid version of the Tank 300 sold in the country since 2022 will gradually be replaced by the PHEV version.