GWM Halts Ora 03 EV Sales in the UK Due to Poor Sales

Chinese automaker GWM has halted sales of the electric Ora 03 in the UK following a sharp drop in demand. In the first quarter of 2026, only 26 units were sold, which prompted a reassessment of the brand's European strategy.

The model, previously known as the Funky Cat, entered the UK market in 2022 as a rival to the Volkswagen ID.3, MG4, and Renault Zoe. Over four years, however, it never gained a foothold in the segment.

In 2025, just 542 cars were sold, while competitors sold in the thousands. For comparison, Volkswagen and MG each delivered around 9,000 vehicles in the same class.

The main issue was a high price combined with a weak brand presence and competition from more established manufacturers. Additionally, the market quickly became crowded with new EVs, including Chinese models offering better value for money.

GWM has already begun revising its European strategy, focusing on more mass-market models and expanding its lineup. Plans include launching at least seven new vehicles from mid-2026, mostly in the Haval crossover segment.

The withdrawal of the Ora 03 shows just how tough the European market remains for new brands. Even with growing EV demand, competition is intensifying, and models without strong positioning quickly lose ground.