Great Wall Motors (GWM) has announced the availability of major drivability and safety enhancements for its popular Tank 500 SUV and Cannon Alpha ute, reinforcing its commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Initially introduced in production models earlier this year, these upgrades are now accessible to existing owners across Australia and New Zealand through dealership visits.
The updates target both diesel and hybrid variants of the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha. Although the upgrades are not available via over-the-air (OTA) updates, GWM is encouraging customers to bring their vehicles to authorized dealerships to have the new software installed.
Among the key refinements, hybrid models now feature improved throttle response. Drivers will notice smoother acceleration and a more natural transition between electric and hybrid power modes, resolving earlier complaints of lag or a “sticky throttle.”
Another notable change involves the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system. It now offers better curve speed management, automatically adjusting speed more accurately while cornering, and accelerates faster when returning to the preset speed.
The driver monitoring system (DMS) has also been fine-tuned. The previously loud voice warning has been replaced with a more subtle alert sound, and the system now remembers the user’s preferred on/off setting, preventing it from resetting at each vehicle start.
Improvements to the emergency lane-keep assist (ELKA) include clearer visual alerts through a new “lane flashing” graphic in the digital cluster. Access to ELKA controls has been made easier, with a shortcut key now available on the touchscreen interface. The system has also been recalibrated to reduce false alerts on varying road types.
GWM has added a new Trailer Hitch Track guideline to the vehicle’s display, enhancing towing precision and overall utility.
These enhancements reflect GWM’s responsiveness to regional customer feedback. The company has bolstered its local development efforts by appointing veteran ride-and-handling expert Rob Trubiani and former Hyundai Australia COO John Kett.
Both bring deep automotive experience aimed at improving GWM’s performance and ADAS capabilities in local conditions.
As GWM strengthens its position in the Australian market, the company recently reported record sales of 25,189 vehicles in the first half of 2025 — a 17% year-over-year increase. Ranked as the seventh top-selling brand in the country, GWM continues to solidify its reputation through innovation and customer-centric development.