The 27th Chengdu Auto Show opens on August 30, 2024. This annual event showcases the auto industry. It celebrates technology and innovation. The theme is “Trendy Chengdu, Leading the Future.” Manufacturers from around the world gather. They focus on three main areas: gasoline, electric, and hybrid. Each presents cutting-edge technology and impressive new models.
Liu Yanzhao, Vice President of Great Wall Motors, and Gu Yukun, Executive Vice General Manager of the Tank brand, attended the auto show. They showcased the Tank 400 fuel version and the Tank 500 Hi4-T Black Warrior edition, which attracted significant attention. After the press conference, Liu and Gu engaged in deep discussions about the current status and future development of the Tank brand, addressing topics of interest to users. Liu emphasized the importance of respecting technology and fearing off-road challenges. He stated that off-road vehicles must ensure reliability, strength, and redundancy. Users should be able to venture out, enjoy their experience, and return safely. The essence of off-roading starts with the user’s journey. The Tank brand, as a niche category, has developed a rich product line, including mid-size, large, and full-size models. These vehicles will not compete in the same regional markets. The future goal for Tank is to enter the global market. Building a strong reputation is the first step. Progress must be steady to gradually push competitors out of the current market. As Wei Jianjun said, without passion, those seeking quick profits cannot succeed in off-roading. Off-road vehicles require stability. For tanks, the “moat” starts with user reputation. It reflects product quality and user feedback. Next, the “moat” is the tank platform. Not all car manufacturers can invest in creating an excellent off-road vehicle platform. Many complexities exist. It requires practice and accumulation. The know-how in off-road products explains design choices. If something hasn’t faced similar issues, one cannot understand the reasoning behind it. Using passenger car concepts to create a boxy design is fine, but don’t expect it to handle specialized tasks. Specialized tasks have their thresholds. A true off-road vehicle platform needs extensive data accumulation. Additionally, the “moat” comes from technical barriers. The tank platform includes gasoline, diesel, large displacement, and Hi4-T. It maintains a non-decoupled structure. Tank engineers believe that computer control requires a process of slipping, recalculating, and transmitting. Even with fast currents, there is a control process and time involved. This timing can be detrimental or even unsafe in wild environments. The third “moat” is the ecological barrier. Tank currently has over 12,000 modification ecosystems. In Xinjiang’s rental car market, it leads the field. According to Shenzhou Car Rental’s feedback, tanks have the highest rental rates and the lowest failure rates. “I believe a true moat builds through a series of systems, not through a single technology,” Liu Yanzhao said.
The Tank brand has reached a scale of 500,000 units. However, Liu Yanzhao believes this number is not a significant milestone for global brands. The excitement stems from the fact that the off-road market in China previously sold only 120,000 units a year. Now, reaching 500,000 units seems impressive in this niche market. Yet, in the broader global market, 500,000 is just a steady progress point. It’s good to feel pride and achievement, but one must remain humble and steady, especially during successes. Tank’s Executive Vice President Gu Yukun added that the brand aims for a higher status in overseas markets. The brand is currently expanding its presence and sells in over 30 countries. The Tank 700 will launch in Eurasia in the second half of the year, with other smaller markets following suit.
Tank 400 gasoline version and future product plans Why launch a gasoline version of the Tank 400 in this era of new energy? Gu Yukun provided a clear answer: there is demand! Regions like Northwest, Northeast, and North China show a strong need for gasoline vehicles. The Tank 400 gasoline version will not only launch domestically but also overseas. It is a global model driven by current planning and technological reserves. Great Wall Group has its own plans for product extension. Liu Yanzhao stated they will consider global economic development, future vehicle uses, and demands from the off-road market. They will target these markets effectively. We are in a “jungle era” of competition. In this context, demands must come first before actions. They will not enhance content solely for a brand image. However, Liu Yanzhao also left a possibility for dedicated fans: “We can crowdfund the Tank 330, so why not crowdfund a Tank 100 or Tank 900?” He believes anything is possible. They will use different R&D and production models based on demand to meet user needs. The Tank brand is becoming increasingly pragmatic.
The Dilemma and Choices of Pure Electric Off-Roading Liu Yanzhao sees two main challenges for pure electric vehicles. First, off-roading often occurs in outdoor settings. Charging in these locations poses a problem. Second, vehicle structure complicates matters. Pure electric demands focus on low rolling resistance, low energy consumption, and low wind resistance. These require lightweight designs. In contrast, off-roading needs large tires and high traction. Vehicles must carry a lot of gear for travel and recovery. Current issues abound. Motor characteristics play a role. The peak power of a motor typically lasts 10-12 seconds. After that, it overheats. Overheating during a climb can be dangerous. Respect for the outdoors, nature, and off-road conditions is essential. Currently, Tank maintains a cautious approach to pure electric off-roading. They will continue research until the technology matures and adapts. Ultimately, they will choose a technical route based on market demands.
As a manufacturer, we have our priorities. A media representative asked if tanks would integrate satellite communication or drones for niche scenarios. Liu Yanzhao responded, “We have considerations, but we must define our approach. Will these be accessories or integral parts of the vehicle? If they are integral, they must meet off-road standards. Can they operate at minus 45 degrees? If the manufacturer proceeds, they must take responsibility for the product. Otherwise, we provide interfaces for users, including oxygen machines and satellite communication. We are currently validating these options. The tank ecosystem remains open. We approach this calmly. Until we complete our validations, I can only say we are researching. Off-roading and outdoor use are serious matters. We must be accountable to our users.”
Summary: “The ideal off-road vehicle is not just about sales. It embodies performance, reliability, partnership, and trust.” This statement by Great Wall Motors Vice President Liu Yanzhao reflects the Tank brand’s attitude. The brand maintains its strategic focus. It understands the balance of sacrifice and gain. It respects the outdoors and nature. With a production and sales scale of 500,000 units, the Tank brand increasingly grasps the concept of sacrifice and gain. It has clarified its goals.