In a statement, LAGI says its April 2025 sales increased 124 percent year-on-year beating its forecasted sales targets. This is a bright spot given GWM has been facing stiff competition against other Chinese brands and has suffered the irk of some publications due to a poorly managed Auto China trip where a handful of media were “un-invited” at the last minute.

To be fair to LAGI, they did take on new management to help correct glaring errors and mishaps that have been plaguing the brand of late. In charge is Dax Avenido who has over 20 years of experience handling brands such as Toyota, Nissan, and MG. Avenido is tasked to provide a more strategic, comprehensive roadmap for GWM in the Philippines.

“As we step into May, we carry this momentum with confidence,” said Mr. Dax Avenido, Brand Head and Marketing Director of GWM Philippines. “The passion, hard work, and collaboration across our network empower us to aim higher and reach further. We are committed to sustaining this growth by offering topnotch vehicles at an affordable price that exceed expectations and redefine value in the Filipino automotive landscape.”

Moreover, LAGI credits the increase to the efforts of the entire GWM Philippines team as well as its dealer principals.

At a time where its competitors are going electrified, GWM doubled-down on its combustion engine offerings and launched the diesel-powered new Cannon pickup truck at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last April. It also previewed the Haval H9 which is also powered by a non-electrified diesel engine.

GWM’s Philippine performance is in lockstep with the Chinese brand’s performance elsewhere. Last month, GWM sold 100,061 vehicles globally. New Energy Vehicles—HEVs, PHEVs, and EVs—accounted for 28,813 units. Meanwhile, “boxy” (their term, not ours) vehicles hit 43,182 units.