GWM Retires ORA Good Cat to Launch 5 New EVs and 100+ Thai Service Hubs

China’s Great Wall Motor (GWM), which operates a plant in Rayong, has phased out the ORA Good Cat after four years on sale, a move that frees up capacity for a new wave of electric vehicles while bolstering service support for EV drivers nationwide.

Key Takeaways

• 20,827 units sold: ORA Good Cat became the first EV assembled for Thai customers and shipped abroad.

• Five new models coming: Including the ORA 5 SUV, expected in Q2 2026 with dual battery options.

• 100+ dealer points: Expansion across all regions aims to cut service travel time to under one hour.

• After-sales pledge: 8-year/180,000 km battery warranty and 7-day parts delivery guarantee.

From Trailblazer to Transition

When the ORA Good Cat arrived in 2021, it unlocked Thailand’s first locally built mass-market BEV and sparked a fresh electric vehicle buzz. Its retro design and sub-฿1 million price tag drew urban commuters into sustainable mobility. By 2022, it led the national BEV charts and set benchmarks for local production, benefiting from the Thailand Ministry of Industry’s EV 3.0 incentives.

Yet rising competition from models like the BYD Dolphin and MG4 Electric, both offering larger battery packs at aggressive prices, meant the Good Cat’s platform was nearing its peak. Rather than discount the cult favorite into obsolescence, GWM chose a clean break—retiring the hatchback with its reputation intact.

Ahead: Five Fresh EVs and the ORA 5 SUV

GWM’s Thailand leadership confirms at least five new xEVs will arrive through 2026. The flagship, ORA 5 SUV, sports a 4.47 m footprint, front-wheel 150 kW motor and two battery choices: 45.3 kWh (CLTC 480 km) or 58.3 kWh (CLTC 580 km). Early price estimates hover around ฿600,000, positioning it below many C-segment ICE rivals.

Spec highlights under Thailand’s homologation review include a panoramic glass roof filtering 99% UV rays, Coffee OS3 infotainment with Thai voice control, and optional roof-mounted LiDAR for urban driver assistance. If import duties remain at current EV 3.5 levels, the ORA 5 SUV could trigger fresh price adjustments across the market.

Manufacturing Base: Rayong’s Smart Factory Keeps Up

The Rayong Smart Factory, which builds right-hand-drive Good Cats, remains GWM’s assembly hub. Expansion plans—backed by a THB 2 billion investment—will lift capacity by 10,000 units next year to satisfy EV 3.5 localisation rules. Right-hand-drive exports from Thailand already serve nine new markets, from Malaysia to Mauritius, cementing the kingdom’s role as a production and export springboard.

To maximise incentives through 2027, GWM targets 40% local content by value, forging partnerships with Thai suppliers of battery casings, wiring harnesses and tyres. This deepens the domestic EV ecosystem and safeguards parts availability for legacy models.

What This Means for Residents

• Easier servicing: With over 100 GWM outlets by mid-2026, drivers in provinces such as Nan or Satun should find warranty work within a one-hour radius.

• Sharper pricing: The influx of new GWM EVs may pressure competitors to match feature sets or cut prices in the ฿600,000–฿1.2 M segment.

• Battery assurance: GWM’s 8-year/180,000 km guarantee and promise of 7-day parts delivery ease concerns over discontinued models.

• Resale stability: Ongoing Rayong production of shared components supports second-hand values for ORA Good Cat owners.

Navigating Thailand’s EV Boom

Thailand’s BEV registrations surged 74% in 2025 to 122,128 units, capturing 23.9% of total passenger-car sales. BYD leads with 38% market share, but aggressive rebates have squeezed industry margins. The Energy Policy and Planning Office recently tweaked subsidy tiers under its EV 3.5 roadmap to curb oversupply and sustain local manufacturing.

In this charged environment, GWM’s shift away from an aging platform towards fresh crossovers and MPVs aligns with rising consumer demand for larger batteries and advanced safety. By reinforcing after-sales support and extending its retail footprint, the company bets Thai buyers will spend more for cutting-edge features backed by reliable service.

As Thailand cements its status as Southeast Asia’s EV hub, GWM’s next chapter will test whether a broad model lineup and robust dealer network can translate into lasting market leadership.