In a bold step forward for GWM’s presence in Australia and New Zealand, the brand has officially secured permanent residency at the iconic Lang Lang Proving Ground (LLPG) in Victoria, a facility long known as the birthplace of some of Australia’s most legendary cars.

This move signals more than just local investment. It marks a significant milestone in GWM’s mission to deliver vehicles that are not only globally competitive, but finely tuned for the unique conditions, expectations, and driving styles of Aussie and Kiwi drivers.

The Lang Lang facility, once home to Holden’s legendary vehicle development, will now become the central hub for GWM’s localisation strategy. With full-time access to the track, GWM becomes the only OEM with such a privilege, setting the stage for serious gains in local ride and handling development, full-vehicle integration, and precision tuning across its growing range.

This announcement follows GWM’s recent appointment of respected Australian engineer Rob Trubiani, who brings over 25 years of development experience to the role. Rob knows Lang Lang better than most, having spent much of his career shaping vehicles for local roads at the very same proving ground.

“Lang Lang is one of the best proving grounds in the world,” said Trubiani. “To be back here, using my experience to develop vehicles specifically for Australian and New Zealand drivers, is a dream come true. This track lets us push dynamics to the edge, so we can identify exactly where we can optimise — not just tweak — our vehicles. It’s all about delivering that confidence, control and comfort drivers expect from a car built for this part of the world.”

John Kett, GWM COO ANZ, called the move “a statement of intent.”

“When Rob presented the idea of making Lang Lang our local engineering home, the support was unanimous. With full-time access now secured and the right talent in place, we’re confident this investment will lead to better products, tailored specifically for our market.”

The long-term residency gives GWM the ability to fast-track development and apply deeper scrutiny in real-world local conditions. According to the brand, the first fruits of this strategy will soon be revealed under the internal codename “AT1” — a program set to highlight ride and handling improvements shaped by direct customer and media feedback.

Beyond that, Trubiani’s influence is already stretching further, with his work expected to help shape global programs destined for ANZ from the ground up, not just reworked after the fact.

GWM’s message is clear: this isn’t about box-ticking local compliance. This is about building cars that feel right from the moment your hands touch the wheel, cars built by locals, for locals.