Gqeberha plant gives Foton a base as Tunland PHEV, Galaxus arrive
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
- Industry News
- 4 November 2026
GWM has expanded its P300 line-up with the introduction of the P300 2.0T Pioneer Hi4-T PHEV, marking the arrival of the first electrified version of the bakkie range.
Combining plug-in hybrid technology with four-wheel-drive capability, the newcomer aims to retain the towing, load-carrying and off-road ability expected from a double-cab bakkie while adding the benefits of electric driving for daily use.
What is it?
The P300 Hi4-T PHEV sits at the top of the P300 range as the brand's electrified double-cab offering. It is aimed at buyers who want the flexibility of a traditional bakkie but are interested in reducing fuel consumption during everyday driving.
Unlike a conventional diesel or petrol model, the P300 PHEV can complete shorter journeys using electric power alone. At the same time, it retains the body-on-frame construction, four-wheel-drive system and towing capability that form part of the P300's appeal.
Powertrain:
Power comes from a hybrid-specific 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 180kW and 380Nm, combined with a 130kW electric motor generating 495Nm. Together, the system produces a combined output of 310kW and 750Nm.
The powertrain is paired with GWM's nine-speed automatic transmission and drives all four wheels.
A 33.1kWh lithium iron phosphate battery provides an electric-only driving range of up to 115km on the NEDC cycle. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 2.4L/100km.
Drivers can choose between Electric, Hybrid and Intelligent operating modes. The battery supports DC fast charging of up to 110kW, with a claimed charging time of around 18 minutes from 30% to 80%.
The P300 PHEV also retains serious workhorse credentials, including a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg, low-range four-wheel drive and a rear differential lock.
Interior:
A 15.6-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster dominate the dashboard, while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice control are standard.
Leather-trimmed front seats feature heating and ventilation functions, while the driver's seat offers six-way electric adjustment. Other standard features include a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, rear air vents and a sunroof.
Exterior:
The P300 PHEV receives several styling elements that distinguish it from other variants in the range.
These include a black grille, blacked-out lighting units, black mirror caps, black door handles, black wheel arch trims and black alloy wheels. Red brake calipers add a further visual contrast.
The bakkie rides on 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265/60 tyres, while automatic LED headlamps, fixed side steps and a spray-in load-bin liner are included as standard.
Price and warranty:
The GWM P300 D-CAB 2.0T Pioneer Hi4-T PHEV is priced at R914 900. The ownership package includes a seven-year/200 000km warranty, an eight-year/150 000km high-voltage battery warranty, a seven-year/75 000km service plan and seven years of roadside assistance.
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
South Africa's trade relationship with the United States (US) faces another significant challenge following the announcement that the country is to lose its preferential access to the American market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to grow in October, but the automotive industry and consumers faced mounting cost pressures as higher fuel prices added to the cost of motoring and operating commercial fleets.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
MG Motor South Africa used its MG Tech Day and Premium SUV Family launch event to show what is coming to its SUV range. The brand was founded in Britain in 1924, and in 1931 its EX120 ‘Magic Midget’ became the first 750 cc car to exceed 160 km/h.
Tata Motors has expanded its local SUV portfolio with the launch of the all-new Punch. Available in three derivatives, the compact SUV introduces refreshed styling, upgraded technology and six airbags as standard across the range, while also becoming the first Punch sold locally with a turbocharged engine option.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.