GWM has a powerful new 3.0-litre diesel in the works

GWM is set to introduce a new-generation 3.0-litre diesel engine across its growing model range. The new engine has been confirmed for the GWM Cannon Alpha ute and the Tank 500 SUV within the next two years.
Obviously, the new 3.0-litre diesel will offer more power than the brand's current 2.4-litre turbo-diesel (135kW/480Nm), although full outputs are yet to be announced. It will be a four-cylinder configuration, not a six-cylinder, and is expected to debut in showrooms by 2027.
Early indications suggest GWM is targeting best-in-class numbers for a four-cylinder diesel, meaning more than the 165kW/550Nm the Toyota HiLux GR Sport makes. Hopefully it's a twin turbo set up to avoid any exaggerated lag in torque delivery.
GWM Australia Managing Director Charles Zhao confirmed to Aussie news outlets that the new engine is being considered for the Cannon Alpha, but not for the regular old Cannon, which recently received the new 2.4-litre engine during its mid-life update.
Read more 2025 GWM Cannon Lux Review
In addition to the Cannon Alpha, the 3.0-litre diesel will power a diesel variant of the Tank 500 SUV in addition to the petrol hybrid model. Zhao also hinted the larger Tank 700 flagship SUV could be on the radar for an Australian launch once the new diesel engine is available.
Speaking to media, GWM's head of right-hand-drive markets, James Yang, explained the company's strategy: 'In Australia, for high-end, off-road SUVs, we know customers expect higher torque and bigger engines. Some models will wait until the 3.0-litre diesel is ready.'
Yang believes diesel still has a critical role to play, particularly in Australia, where towing, off-roading, and long-distance driving are key demands. 'Fuel consumption is good, towing capability is better, and diesel fits well with future emissions regulations alongside hybrids and plug-in hybrids,' Yang said.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

NZ Autocar

17 hours ago

• NZ Autocar

2025 GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV Review'

PHEVs are going gangbusters in some parts of the world where EV range is now well over 100km. How does Haval's first effort rate? Range is critical in an EV, and likewise PHEVs, it would seem. The average PHEV range increased from 50km in 2019 to 80km in 2023. This year it will be higher again. Why? Because of the likes of this Haval H6. The Chinese are going bonkers on PHEVs. Thanks to that, there are now several PHEVs on sale here that offer over 100km of EV range. Some in China offer 245 to 300-odd km. This H6 GT PHEV is Haval's first example, offering 180km of electric travel from its substantial 35.4kWh battery pack. That's serious range, especially given it sells for $58,990. Pricing is similar to Mitsi PHEVs but there's over double the range. Fact is, there's enough EV potential for a week of in-town motoring. That means you can recharge it on a Friday night before a long weekend away, and have roughly 1000km of range at the ready. A quick 91 refill gives another 800. What about a battery refresh? And sensibly there's always electric power to help with overtaking because the system never lets the battery charge sink below 15 per cent. It also allows you to save the energy stored in the battery for urban use if you want. And you can recharge on the go, using the engine as a generator. Though it would seem they prefer you not to as it's not that straightforward to activate. Alternatively, you can plug in to a 48kW fast charger. It takes half an hour to replenish the battery from 30 to 80 per cent. A 7kW wall charger will do the job in three hours. Or 12 hours on a portable charger. So it all sounds rather peachy for those who just cannot be bothered with on-the-road recharging, or don't want EV range anxiety. The downside of a PHEV is using the engine too much. With most PHEVs, you can gobble up the limited EV range on day one. People then forget to recharge each night. When you run them like that, fuel economy won't be great. That's because the engine is tasked with propelling something much heavier. The H6 PHEV is 400kg up on its petrol equivalent (2075kg kerb weight). With much greater EV range, that gives you plenty of time to decide when you are going to plug in again. And then you'll only use the engine on long jaunts. In the urban setting, GWM suggests overall fuel use of 0.8L/100km (rightcar 1.0L/100km). It's around 5.4 otherwise. Any other downsides then? This isn't quite as dynamic as the regular ICE-power H6 models, despite decent Michelin Primacy rubber and its AWD status. It can be a bit squirrely in the wet. GWM has fettled the suspension for the increased weight to make it ride appropriately, which it really does. Brakes are uprated too but have an odd pedal feel. No mind, because high-level recuperation does most of the braking for you. We found the central IFT control screen disappointing. Repeated jabs and stabs were often needed, and it's a bit slow. Moreover, the layout is messy. Its saving grace is a pulldown menu for things you might want to turn off frequently. And voice control; use that when you can. While this H6 is mercifully free of warning bongs, it makes one loud one when you start it up and set off. Why is unclear, and no, you cannot cull it. The wheel spokes are oddly placed too, forcing a 10 past 2 hand position. Can it go? Can it ever! This can really tramp. That's the result of having a motor for each axle and a turbopetrol engine. Overall system output is 342kW and 762Nm. Strewth, that's a heap of grunt for a car costing this much. It can hit 100km/h in just under 4.9sec with LC and needs just over 3sec to jet from 80-120. It would be even quicker if the hybrid two-speed transmission didn't dither between first and second. Practically speaking this is sound. There's genuinely decent room for five grown-ups. And luggage capacity is 392-1390L. That's the same as for the Ultra GT AWD upon which it is based. The Haval H6 range gets more, however, 560-1485L, if luggage capacity is a big deal. Same with towing. The PHEV is good for 750-1500kg, while the H6 petrol can haul 2000kg of braked trailer. What else? Surprise and delight items include powered, heated and vented seats that are really comfy, a head-up display and surround camera. The overall shape is appealing too, though the rear window is tiny, and has no wiper. But the resolution from the reversing camera compensates. With all the new energy brands incoming, it is Leapmotor's C10 REEV at $49,990 plus ORCs that is the Haval's main rival. Sure, it has slightly less EV range (145km) but most will likely find that's enough for a week of urban travel. It's nowhere near as quick, however. The 0-100 claim is 8.5sec because the engine acts only as a generator for the battery. So it is reliant on its lone 158kW/320Nm motor for go power. If you want serious performance, and ridiculously low fuel use, go for the Haval which comes with a seven-year/unlimited km warranty. GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV $58,990 / 0.8L/100km / 19g/km 0-100 km/h 4.82s Engine 1500cc / IL4 / T + twin motors Max power 321kW Max torque 762Nm Weight (claimed) 2075kg

Scoop

3 days ago

• Scoop

Kiwi Workers Crossing The Ditch: The Booming FIFO Mining Scene In Australia

The numbers tell a compelling story. Right now, there are over 10,000 FIFO jobs available across Australia, compared to just a few hundred in New Zealand. For Kiwi workers willing to pack their bags and head across the Tasman, this represents more than just employment opportunities – it's a chance to completely transform their earning potential. FIFO, or Fly-In-Fly-Out work, means exactly what it sounds like. Workers fly to remote mining sites, work intensive rosters – typically two weeks on, one week off – then fly home to their families. It's not for everyone, but for those who can handle the lifestyle, the financial rewards are substantial. The Scale of Opportunity The Australian mining sector dwarfs New Zealand's in every measurable way. While New Zealand's entire mining industry employed just 5,900 people in 2023, Australia's Metal Ore Mining sector alone employs 139,200 workers. That's before you even count coal, gas, or other resource extraction industries. More importantly for job seekers, the money reflects this scale. FIFO workers are averaging AU$100,000+ annually, with coal miners earning AU$85,000 and above. When you compare that to equivalent roles in New Zealand, the difference is often significant enough to justify the lifestyle changes that come with FIFO work. What's particularly encouraging for newcomers is that many FIFO positions currently don't require previous experience. This opens doors for Kiwis looking to make a career change or young people wanting to earn serious money while they're still mobile and unencumbered by major commitments. Why Aussie Miners Want Kiwi Workers Australian mining companies aren't just passively accepting New Zealand workers – they're actively seeking them out. The reasons are practical and cultural. Kiwis arrive with strong work ethics, excellent English, and often solid trades backgrounds from New Zealand's robust apprenticeship systems. There's also the simple matter of supply and demand. Drillers, miners and shot firers represent the largest employing occupation group in Australian mining, but finding skilled workers willing to work in remote locations isn't always easy. New Zealand workers, particularly those from rural areas, are often more comfortable with isolation and physical work than their urban Australian counterparts. Companies like PK Workforce have recognised this natural fit and actively facilitate connections between Australian mining operations and Kiwi workers. The cultural similarities mean less adjustment time and fewer workplace issues. The Reality of FIFO Life Living the FIFO lifestyle means embracing a unique rhythm. Your typical fortnight involves flying to a mining site that might be hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town, working 12-hour shifts in challenging conditions, then returning to comfortable accommodation with meals provided, recreational facilities, and high-speed internet. The isolation is real, but so are the support systems. Modern mining camps are far from the rough-and-ready setups of decades past. Many feature gyms, entertainment areas, and comprehensive mental health support programmes. Companies understand that looking after workers' wellbeing isn't just ethical – it's essential for productivity and retention. The flip side is equally important. When your roster ends, you truly switch off. That week at home is yours, funded by wages that often exceed what many professionals earn working full-time in conventional jobs. Getting Your Foot in the Door Breaking into FIFO work isn't as daunting as it might seem, especially for those willing to start at entry level. The mining industry has recognised that training motivated newcomers often produces better long-term employees than trying to poach experienced workers from competitors. Essential certifications vary by role, but most positions require basic safety training, which can often be arranged through your employer. More specialised roles might need trade qualifications, but even these can sometimes be obtained through mining company training programmes. Specialised FIFO recruitment services have streamlined the process significantly. Rather than navigating multiple company websites and application processes, workers can often access opportunities across the industry through recruitment specialists who are working directly with mining companies working to fill and maintain their workforce roster through mining labour hire. These agencies understand both the requirements and the culture. The key is being realistic about timelines and committed to the lifestyle. This isn't a quick money grab – successful FIFO workers treat it as a career strategy that requires dedication and planning. Looking Forward The demand for FIFO workers shows no signs of slowing. Australia's resource sector continues expanding, driven by global demand for everything from iron ore to lithium. For New Zealand workers, this represents an ongoing opportunity that's likely to remain available for years to come. The beauty of the arrangement is its flexibility. Many Kiwis use FIFO work strategically – earning substantial money for a few years to pay off mortgages, fund business ventures, or simply build financial security before transitioning back to more conventional work arrangements. For those willing to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities of FIFO life, the path across the Tasman has never been clearer. The jobs are there, the pay is substantial, and the systems to connect willing workers with opportunities are more sophisticated than ever.

Techday NZ

4 days ago

• Techday NZ

Why your export business should adopt AI-infused tax tech in FY2026

Smart sellers are embracing the disruptive power of AI and it's time you did too. Does your export business rely on legacy tax compliance software to support its overseas operations? If you answered in the affirmative, you're far from alone. In 2025, far too many Australian exporters continue to use manual and semi-manual processes in the back office and it's to their detriment, slowing them down, holding them back and exposing them to unnecessary and entirely avoidable risk. Smart operators, on the other hand, are embracing AI-infused compliance solutions with gusto – and getting a head start in experiencing the operational benefits of next generation tech. If you're wondering whether it's worth joining their ranks in the upcoming financial year, here are a couple of reasons why embracing this transformational technology makes a stack of sense for Aussie exporters of all stripes and sizes. HS code hassles sorted in seconds In use in more than 200 countries, Harmonised System (HS) codes enable international trade to be conducted efficiently at scale. While they make it easy for Customs services to determine what tariffs they should be levying on imports and exports, choosing the right ones to use isn't always a simple matter for exporters operating in manual mode. Coffee, for example, doesn't have a single code; it has three, depending on whether the beans in question are roasted, unroasted or decaffeinated. It's also extremely easy to make mechanical errors that result in major mess-ups in the clearing house. The HS codes for diamonds and mushrooms differ by only a single digit but the products themselves are taxed very differently in most countries. Incorrectly applied codes can result in shipments being rejected, confiscated or held up and fines being levied on the offending sellers. Exporters that have embraced and deployed AI-infused tax compliance technology from a vendor that's invested in keeping its platform ahead of the tech curve don't have to contend with these issues. Add it to your fintech stack and you too will be able to assign the right HS codes to your products, every single time. And quickly too. AI allows product catalogues comprising thousands of lines to be coded within 24 to 48 hours, rather than the weeks and months it would take to accomplish the same task manually. Tariffs and taxes determined in a trice It's a similar story when it comes to keeping on top of – and correctly calculating! – the taxes and tariffs that need to be added to goods and services before they're sold and shipped abroad. Doing so manually can be a time-consuming exercise at the best of times and a downright risky one in the unpredictable trading environment that's emerged since US President Donald Trump took office earlier this year. Getting your numbers wrong can see your parcels stuck in transit, your customers stiffed with unexpected charges and your business hit with fines from tax authorities that have zero tolerance for overseas sellers that aren't playing by their rules. And not to mention the reputational hit your brand can take in the ecommerce marketplace inextricably tied to social media platforms. Deploy AI infused compliance technology and these risks get relegated to the "done" box. That's because the right software provider can simplify and streamline the essential, mission-critical tasks associated with the tax compliance process – in addition to code and tax classification, think registration, licensing, calculation, document management, reporting and e-invoicing – for more than 100 countries around the globe. Once it's live in your back office, among other compliance tasks, your team will be able to calculate a wide range of indirect taxes in real time, including US import duties and the differing array of sales taxes and charges levied (in over 13,000 taxing jurisdictions!) by that nation's 50 states. Staying in step with the State Need more evidence that AI technology makes sense for your business? You may choose to consider the fact that governments and customs authorities around the world are themselves using AI to efficiently and effortlessly determine whether the exporters and importers they engage with are doing things properly. Equip yourself with the same tools and technologies they're using on docks and in customs clearing houses, and you'll stand a better chance of dispatching and delivering your overseas sales with zero hold-ups or hassles, secure in the knowledge you've done everything right. Strengthening your export operations in FY2026 If you're already selling your goods and services offshore, you'll likely need little convincing of the benefits: increased sales, a bigger footprint and the security that greater diversification can deliver. Optimising your operations with AI infused tax compliance technology can enhance these benefits and underpin your ongoing overseas success. If profitable growth is a priority for your business in the next 12 months, it's an investment that will pay for itself many times over.