First batch of Great Wall models go on sale in NZ

Great Wall Motors is the first Chinese car manufacturer to debut in the New Zealand and Australian markets after its dealer launch in Sydney last week.

Two twin-cab utilities, the V240 in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations and the SA220 in 4x2 only, are the first Great Wall models to be released onto the New Zealand market.

The V240 4x2 will sell in New Zealand for $26,990 plus on road costs with the 4x4 option costing $3,000 extra, while the SA220 will sell for $21,990 plus on road costs. Both vehicles offer buyers equipment levels that include electric windows, alloy wheels, leather trimmed seats and air conditioning and a new car at a second-hand price.

Great Wall vehicles will be sold and supported initially in New Zealand by a network of six dealers and have a three year/100,000km warranty. Ateco Automotive, the Auckland and Sydney-based importer, has been negotiating to bring Great Wall to New Zealand for over three years. According to the Managing Director of Ateco Australia, Ric Hull, "Great Wall is one of China's leading car makers and it has been consistently at the top of its domestic car market with its Ute and SUV models.

"This year China will make and sell more vehicles than any other country in the world. Every mainstream car and component manufacturer is represented there. Access to technology is virtually unlimited. China's car industry has come a long way in a very short time," he said. "From day one we have been thoroughly impressed with Great Wall.

Great Wall's New Zealand consumer website, www.greatwallauto.co.nz will be live from next Wednesday July 1.