GWM Issues Hybrid Recall for Tank 500, Tank 300 and Cannon Alpha

Great Wall Motors Australia recently issued an urgent recall for 1,445 hybrid vehicles, including the Cannon Alpha PHEV, Tank 300 HEV and the Tank 500 HEV/PHEV, citing a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage wiring harness. 

The Technical Defect: What’s at Stake?

The recall notice, lodged with Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, states:

“Due to a manufacturing defect, the shielding ring in the high voltage wiring harness may not be properly grounded. This can reduce the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding, potentially leading to abnormal communication between the engine and transmission control systems. As a result, warning lights may illuminate, vehicle torque may be reduced, and cooling performance of the hybrid system may be affected.”

The notice also says that this defect could reduce vehicle performance and cooling operation could increase the risk of an accident, causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.

Implications for the Pakistani Market

The timing of this recall creates a unique “pre-emptive” challenge for Sazgar as it prepares for the local launch. 

Senior executive Ali Hameed said at PAPS last year that the local assembly could bring the price of the Tank 500 down to under Rs. 2.5 crore. However, the ultimate test will be ensuring that these vehicles can withstand Pakistan’s climate without the cooling performance issues noted in the Australian recall.

Beyond the logistics, consumer confidence is a critical factor. Pakistan is currently in the midst of a hybrid revolution, and the Tank 500 is being positioned as a luxury titan. Any perception of technical fragility could deter high-end buyers.