Another sighting of GWM Lightning Cat as new electric sedan poised for release
Earlier this year, The Driven came across a GWM Ora Lightning Cat in Melbourne. That particular car was a test version of the electric sedan with the steering wheel on the left side, imported into Australia for initial testing purposes.
Recently, another Ora Lightning Cat has been sighted in Victoria. However, this time it is not the pink version that was previously observed, but a blue sedan. This remarkable discovery was made by a dedicated electric vehicle enthusiast named Bee JC on the popular social media platform, Facebook.
It seems like GWM is indeed planning to broaden its lineup in Australia by introducing an additional model, the Ora Lightning Cat electric sedan. This news follows the successful launch of their affordable sub-$40,000 electric hatchback named Ora.
Bee JC's photographs capture a clear perspective of the car's front side and also showcase the gracefully curved circular taillights at the back.
It seems that this specific vehicle is present for testing purposes, as the Victorian number plates do not reveal any additional details about it.
The stylish appearance indeed attracted the attention of several individuals in the electric vehicle community, who were genuinely fascinated by the sighting.
A few people even mentioned that they were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the initial batch at GWM stores. "I've been patiently waiting for them to show up in their showroom so I can take a close look. Have they made their way there yet?" inquired a curious onlooker of the vehicle.
Other people remarked on its appearance, which makes it quite noticeable when seen in its natural habitat. "Looks fabulous," another admirer mentioned.
Over the past few months, GWM has revealed their plans to introduce the model into the right-hand-drive market of the UK by early 2024, as mentioned on their website dedicated to the local audience.
"This highly anticipated new edition is scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2024, with detailed specifications, pricing, and an official designation that will be announced in the upcoming weeks and months. In the meantime, here's a glimpse of what's to come..."
This isn't the initial occasion when GWM has introduced a vehicle in the United Kingdom and subsequently entered the Australian market.
The Ora (formerly Ora Cat) electric hatchback made its debut in the UK market in 2022 and later made its way to Australia in the second quarter of this year.
In the previous month, GWM reduced the prices of Ora to less than $40,000. This decision was made because the brand experienced a decline in battery expenses. However, it also indicates the increasing rivalry within the electric vehicle market, specifically in the segment of vehicles priced below $40,000. Both BYD and MG have introduced their own models in this price range, further intensifying the competition.
By the conclusion of June, GWM managed to vend 65 units of Ora in the domestic market. It is expected that these figures will surge in the upcoming months due to a reduction in its price.
The appearance of the fresh Ora Lightning Cat is a hopeful indication that there will be additional offerings under the GWM Ora lineup. It is expected to be released in 2024 following its initial launch in the United Kingdom. The introduction of more vehicle options will attract a wider range of people, making it easier for more drivers to transition to electric vehicles.
Riz is the creator of carloop, a company located in Melbourne that focuses on gathering information, producing reports, and identifying patterns regarding Australian electric vehicles. Prior to launching carloop, Riz worked as a mechanical engineer, devoting seven years to constructing transportation systems. His enthusiasm for automobiles, particularly electric ones, led him to strive for a decrease in transportation emissions in Australia. At present, Riz is enjoying the experience of driving a vibrant red Tesla Model 3.
