Chinese EV brand GWM ORA is launching its new test drive centre initiative to provide additional coverage and support for the brand' retailer network.

Strategically located, the new test drive centres will look similar to the main retailer sites, albeit on a smaller scale. Each test drive centre will offer test drive, sales and service support for current and future GWM ORA models. A resident EV expert will also be on hand to answer product related queries and provide customers with guidance on the benefits of making the switch to an electric vehicle.

After a test-drive, customers will be able to place an order and schedule delivery of a new ORA Funky Cat, with lead times ranging between one and two weeks on average.

The new test drive centres will be managed by a mix of existing GWM ORA retail groups, including Peter Vardy, Chorley and South West and will take the total number of GWM ORA customer service points to 26 which includes both traditional sales and aftersales sites as well as the newly launched test drive centres.

In addition to the launch of GWM ORA’s new test drive centres, the brand has launched a limited number of special edition ORA Funky Cats called the First Edition+ (pictured) conceived to celebrate the brand's one year anniversary of UK operations and trails the full ORA Funky Cat range which is scheduled to launched in 2024.

Toby Marshall, managing director of GWM ORA UK, said: “It’s been almost one year since we launched the ORA Funky Cat First Edition and we’ve had real success in terms of sales and network growth, despite the challenging market conditions. At this point, it feels right to commemorate a year of successful operations with something that we know customers will really appreciate. Our First Edition+ special edition model further enhances the fun and excitement of ORA Funky Cat, with even more features and specification."

ORA Funky Cat First Edition+ will be on sale on 12 October priced at £33,795.