GWM has introduced a new vehicle development approach designed specifically for Australian and New Zealand conditions, signalling a shift towards deeper localisation as competition intensifies across the light vehicle market.
Known as AT-1 (pronounced “At One”), the program is not a single product update but a long-term engineering philosophy that focuses on improving ride, handling, safety systems and overall driving performance based on real-world operating environments.
For fleet buyers, the move reflects a broader trend among manufacturers to tailor vehicles more closely to local operating conditions rather than relying on global specifications alone.
Local engineering becomes a competitive differentiator
The AT-1 strategy embeds Australian and New Zealand insights directly into the engineering process, with continuous refinement based on feedback from local testing across urban, regional and rural environments.
That approach is being led locally by Rob Trubiani, GWM’s engineering head for the region, whose role centres on translating real-world driving conditions into vehicle improvements.
Trubiani explained that the focus is on making vehicles feel more predictable and capable in everyday use.
“The objective of the AT-1 philosophy is to create a more unified and intuitive driving experience, specifically tuned for Australian conditions,” he said.
He added that refinements target practical outcomes, including improved ride compliance on uneven surfaces and more consistent system responses across different driving scenarios.
From a fleet perspective, these types of adjustments can have a direct impact on driver acceptance, safety performance and vehicle utilisation—particularly in mixed operating environments where vehicles move between sealed roads, regional routes and work sites.
Continuous improvement rather than one-off upgrades
A key feature of the AT-1 program is its emphasis on ongoing development rather than periodic model updates.
GWM describes the philosophy as a cycle of incremental improvement driven by customer feedback and operational data, aligning with the company’s broader approach of “improving little by little, every day.”
The first vehicle to showcase the program is the Haval H6, which has been developed with multiple vehicle-specific calibrations to match different powertrains, weights and drivetrain configurations.
According to the company, achieving the final ride and handling balance required extensive engineering work, including dozens of damper tuning combinations and detailed steering calibration using thousands of data points.
While these technical changes may not always be visible to drivers, they are intended to deliver more consistent performance across a range of conditions.
Lessons from Australia influencing global development
Another notable aspect of the AT-1 initiative is its role in shaping future global products.
GWM confirmed that insights generated through the Australian and New Zealand program are being shared with international engineering teams, with staff from China working directly alongside local engineers to refine vehicle performance.
John Kett, Chief Operating Officer at GWM Australia and New Zealand, said the company sees the region as an important testing ground for product development.
“With Rob joining the GWM family, we are leading the way, adjusting vehicles on real roads and taking those insights back to China to shape the next generation of products,” Kett said.
Why localisation matters for fleet operations
For fleet managers, the relevance of programs like AT-1 goes beyond marketing language.
Local tuning can influence several operational factors, including:
- Driver safety and fatigue, particularly on rough or inconsistent road surfaces
- Vehicle reliability and maintenance outcomes in demanding conditions
- Towing and load performance, which is critical for utilities and service fleets
- Driver acceptance and retention, especially where vehicles are a workplace tool
As more brands expand into the Australian market, the ability to demonstrate genuine local development—rather than simply importing global specifications—may become an increasingly important factor in procurement decisions.
The introduction of the AT-1 program suggests that manufacturers are recognising the importance of aligning vehicle design more closely with the realities of Australian fleet operations, where conditions can vary significantly from metropolitan commuting to regional and remote work environments.
