New GWM ORA vehicle launches into UK market
Chinese vehicle manufacturer GWM ORA has launched a fully electric saloon into the UK marketplace.
The vehicle, launched at Fully Charged South Live, will go on sale in Q1 2024 with specifications, pricing and name due to be announced in the coming months.
The firm recently launched into the UK market the ORA Funky Cat First Edition, which went on sale in November 2022.
The company hopes the new model, dubbed the “Lightning Cat” in China, will cement a position EV space. It said that pricing and specification would be “competitive to brands like Tesla, Hyundai and Kia”.
The pre-production show vehicle displayed at Fully Charged Live will be used to conduct localised tests ahead of its launch later this year and is only a representation of the final UK production version, the company said.
The company expects the newest model to have an electric range of more than 300 miles and offer both 2WD and 4WD powertrain options. The latter will have a 0-62mph time of just over 4.4 seconds. Premium features like a large glass panoramic roof, synthetic leather seats and interior multi-colour ambient lights are set to come as standard.
In addition to the newly revealed model, the firm is planning to launch additional variants of ORA Funky Cat later this year. The brand said it “anticipates offering more highly specified variants” that will include features such as heated and cooled seats, massage seats, and a bigger battery option.
Speaking about the brand’s new model, Toby Marshall, Managing Director, GWM ORA UK said: “The reveal of our next premium electric vehicle in the UK is a really momentous occasion for the brand. It signals the high level of commitment and investment from GWM ORA to establish itself as a leader in multiple segments across the UK. We always knew our first model, ORA Funky Cat, was just the start. There are lots more exciting things to come.”
Mr Yao, Vice President GWM ORA Europe commented: “I am delighted we are making such good progress in the UK market with the ORA Funky Cat and the GWM ORA brand. The reveal of our next premium EV showcases that we are serious about our role in the UK market, offering customers fantastic quality products with high levels of specification.”
Image courtesy of GWM ORA
