Great Wall Motors says its new P Series Pickup will “reshape the landscape” in the global bakkie market now that production has commenced in China.

The first examples of the new bakkie have already rolled off the assembly line at the recently completed Chongqing factory, which will also produce certain Haval SUVs and eventually new “alternate energy” vehicles, too.

With the launch of the P Series Pickup, GWM says it will “compete with international mainstream pickup brands, then reshape the landscape in the global pickup market and finally achieve its vision to become one of the global top-three pickup brands”.

We first saw the Chinese firm’s new bakkie at Auto Shanghai 2019 in April. GWM claims the newcomer blends the “comfort of a sedan, the off-road ability of an SUV, the recreational nature of a station wagon and the loading capability of a light truck”.

As we pointed out in an earlier story, the new P Series runs on the new P71 platform, with the body measuring 5 425 mm long, 1 972 mm wide and 1 893 mm high. The wheelbase, meanwhile, stretches some 3 230 mm.

From what we understand, a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel will be offered (with transmission options likely to include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed ZF automatic) along with a turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit.

GWM earlier told CARmag.co.za the new bakkie range was scheduled to arrive in South Africa before the end of 2020.

Original article from Car