New 2021 Great Wall Cannon: Toyota HiLux challenger gets official name as electric version debuts in Beijing

Will the Poer name continue for the next generation Great Wall?

Great Wall Motors has taken the wraps off its all-electric Cannon model and confirmed the model's "global name" ahead of its arrival in Australia in late 2020.

Great Wall's midsize ute has so far been known by its "Cannon" name, but the brand has confirmed that the truck will now be called "Poer" in international markets.

The name is derived from the "P Series" truck platform and is intended to phonetically agree with the English word for "power". It can also be interpreted as an abbreviation for the intended characteristics, which include "powerful, off-road, enjoyable, reliable". Cars Guide reached out to local GWM representatives for comment to see if the "Poer" name would catch on in our market.

The brand said that Poer ute will first appear in the export markets of Australia, the Middle East, South America and South Africa. Cars Guide understands that it will arrive in Australia before the end of 2020 as a 2021 model.

At the same time, the brand introduced an all-electric version, replacing the existing 2.0-litre diesel or petrol four-cylinder engine with a 150kW/300Nm electric motor. With an electric range of 405 km, it also claims the title of “longest range pickup truck” in its class. No further details were offered, although we would say its chances for the Australian market are slim given that we are only going to get the truck in one of the many configurations that have already been launched overseas.

The Australian trucks are supposed to be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine (120kW/400Nm) with all-wheel drive via ZF's eight-speed automatic torque converter only.

Finally, the brand also introduced a factory off-road concept with a winch kit, a spare front and rear sports steering wheel, aggressive off-road tires and a spare tire, and premium suede interior trim. Perhaps a Raptor rival? Local brand representatives have told Australians not to hold their breath on any of the special editions unveiled in China just yet.

The brand says it may be some time before Aussies see such factory Raptor-style off-road gear.

Stay tuned as the brand is set to announce Australian pricing and a Cannon/Poer launch date in the coming months. It will be the first vehicle produced by the Great Wall Group with the technology and foundations of the brand's new generation.