Johannesburg, South Africa, 2 April 2026 – GWM South Africa brought its national dealer network together for the annual Dealer Conference and Dealer of the Year Awards, celebrating outstanding achievement while charting the path forward for 2026. The event provided a key platform for reviewing performance, aligning on strategic priorities, and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to growth in an increasingly competitive market, supported by a network of over 100 dealerships nationwide.
This year’s conference was elevated by the presence of global leadership, including Nicole Wu, Chief Technology Officer, and Dr. Richard Zhu, Chief Engineer of Powertrain, whose engagement highlighted GWM’s focus on advanced engineering, innovation, and seamless alignment between global strategy and local market needs. Their participation underscored the brand’s determination to equip its dealers with the tools and knowledge required to thrive in South Africa’s dynamic automotive landscape.
The Dealer of the Year Awards recognise top-performing dealerships across a broad range of criteria, including sales performance, customer experience, and operational efficiency. Winners are celebrated not only for headline performance but also for their contributions in sales, fleet, aftersales, marketing, and financial services, reflecting the holistic approach needed to deliver a consistently excellent customer experience.
2025’s Dealer of the Year accolades were awarded across multiple categories, with GWM Menlyn standing out as the overall Dealer of the Year in addition to securing the Mega Dealer category. Other category winners included GWM Knysna for Very Small Dealer, GWM Kimberley for Small Dealer, GWM Toti for Medium Dealer, GWM Silver Lakes for Large Dealer, and Hatfield Group for Best Group.
Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM South Africa, praised the network, stating, “Our dealer network is the backbone of our business. The Dealer of the Year Awards recognise the discipline, commitment, and consistency required to perform at the highest level. These results reflect the strength of our network and its role in driving our continued growth in South Africa.” Floyd Ramabulana, Head of Marketing, added, “Our dealers play a critical role in shaping how customers experience the GWM brand. The calibre of this year’s winners reflects a network that is evolving in capability, competitiveness, and customer focus.”
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the ORA 05, a landmark moment for GWM’s ORA brand. Building on the success of the fully electric ORA 3, the ORA 05 introduces petrol and hybrid derivatives while maintaining the brand’s new-energy DNA. Its distinctive design, progressive approach to mobility, and expanded powertrain options position the ORA 05 as a versatile model designed to meet a wider range of customer needs. The reveal offered dealers an exclusive first look at a vehicle that blends head-turning aesthetics with innovation and everyday driving enjoyment, symbolising the brand’s ongoing commitment to design-led, accessible mobility.
The Dealer Conference and Dealer of the Year Awards once again reinforced the strength of GWM South Africa’s dealer network, highlighting the synergy between global expertise, local execution, and an unwavering focus on the customer experience. With the ORA 05 poised to make its mark in the market, GWM continues to signal its intent to grow, innovate, and lead in the South African automotive industry.
