GWM secures Lang Lang Proving Ground to customise local product 

GWM Australia and New Zealand has secured permanent residency at the Lang Lang Proving Ground (LLPG) in Victoria. This purpose-built facility will now become the heart of GWM’s mission to deliver vehicles that are locally tuned for Australasia.

Over the past few years, GWM has taken steps forward, listening closely, learning, and adapting within global parameters.

Read our review of the GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV.

Earlier in March, the company announced the appointment of Rob Trubiani to lead the development and localisation of GWM products for the ANZ market. He is one of Australia’s most respected automotive engineers. Trubiani brings over 25 years of experience developing and testing vehicles for Australian roads. Much of that time was spent at the Lang Lang proving ground facility that now forms GWM’s local engineering base.

Now GWM is in an ideal position to ramp up local product development. It will be able to engineer dedicated ride and handling packages and execute precision tuning across its growing product portfolio. These efforts ensure that GWM vehicles have the performance, comfort, and control that local drivers expect.

John Kett, GWM COO ANZ said: “When Rob presented the idea of establishing Lang Lang as our home base for local development, it met with overwhelming support. 

“Rob has been relentless in defining what the true GWM feel should be for our markets. With the right tools now in place, we’re confident this investment will deliver improved products right here on home soil.”

For Rob Trubiani, returning to Lang Lang is hugely satisfying.

He said: “Lang Lang is an iconic proving ground, one of the best in the world.

“It’s an absolute dream to be back, developing great cars specifically for Australian and New Zealand drivers.

“I know this track like the back of my hand.

“LLPG provides me the ability to push vehicle dynamics to the edge, identifying precisely where we can optimise and improve. We’re not just tweaking cars, we’re transforming them to deliver the confidence, control, and comfort that local drivers deserve.”

While GWM’s engineering teams have already started utilising the facility, this residency unlocks even greater opportunities for collaboration, faster iteration, and more ambitious goals.

In the coming months, GWM will showcase the results of the team’s work across multiple vehicle platforms.