GWM has officially released the Haval H6 featuring its first localized Australian tuning, marking a major turning point for the Chinese automaker’s presence in the Oceania market. This release is the debut product of the brand’s ‘AT-1’ (pronounced ‘at one’) program, a dedicated engineering initiative designed to tailor vehicles specifically for the unique driving conditions of Australia and New Zealand.
The AT-1 Program: Engineering for Local Conditions
For many years, international car brands have faced criticism for selling “global” models that feel unsuited to the harsh, often unpredictable terrain of the Australian landscape. GWM is attempting to bridge this gap through its AT-1 philosophy.
Rather than applying a “one-size-fits-all” update, the program focuses on a long-term cycle of refinement. To achieve this, GWM has established a permanent presence at the former General Motors proving ground in Lang Lang, Victoria, and has recruited veteran engineering expert Rob Trubiani (formerly of Holden) to spearhead the development.
The goal of the program is to address three specific areas:
– Ride and Handling: Calibrating suspension for local roads.
– ADAS Refinement: Optimizing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to suit local driving behaviors.
– Capability: Enhancing towing performance and general driving dynamics.
Precision Tuning Across All Variants
Recognizing that different engines and drivetrains change how a car feels, GWM has avoided a blanket adjustment. Instead, the Haval H6 features five distinct vehicle tunes tailored to its specific configurations:
- Non-hybrid 2WD
- Hybrid 2WD
- Hybrid AWD
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) 2WD
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) AWD
Each variant underwent rigorous testing, involving approximately 24 front and 40 rear suspension damper tunes, alongside extensive steering calibration. This granular approach ensures that the vehicle’s weight and power delivery are perfectly matched to its suspension setup.
“The result is a more cohesive and assured character, with improvements evident across everyday driving scenarios,” says Rob Trubiani.
Why This Matters for GWM and the Global Market
This move represents more than just a local upgrade; it is a strategic play to gain consumer trust. By employing local experts and using Australian proving grounds, GWM is signaling that it is no longer just importing vehicles, but actively localizing them to meet regional expectations of quality and durability.
Furthermore, the insights gained from the AT-1 program are intended to feed back into GWM’s global engineering database, potentially influencing how the brand develops vehicles for markets worldwide.
What’s Next?
While the upgraded 2WD variants are currently hitting showrooms, the remaining hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are expected to follow shortly. While GWM has not confirmed which models will receive the AT-1 treatment next, industry observers suggest that larger, more rugged vehicles—such as the Tank 500 SUV or the Cannon ute —are the most likely candidates for future localization.
Conclusion: The launch of the tuned Haval H6 marks GWM’s transition from a pure importer to a localized manufacturer, using dedicated Australian engineering to improve vehicle performance and build brand credibility in the ANZ region.
