Introduction
An independent importer in the Middle East — let's call him Ahmed — wanted to stock 10 used GWM vehicles: five Tank 300 SUVs and five Haval H6 crossovers. He needed transparent FOB pricing, real mileage data, and a smooth export process from China. This case journey outlines the steps he took, using factual information from GWM Export, an independent exporter not affiliated with GWM.
Requirement
Ahmed runs a small dealership in Dubai, UAE, and has seen growing demand for affordable, capable SUVs. He required left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles, as the UAE registers LHD only. He wanted model years 2021–2023, with mileage under 100,000 km. His budget was $12,000–$18,000 FOB per unit. He also needed all export documents: commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and customs declaration. Crucially, he wanted to verify real mileage and condition before committing. He had previously been burned by vague listings, so transparency was non-negotiable. GWM Export's blog post "Buying a used GWM from China: verifying mileage and condition" provided a checklist he could follow.
Sourcing
Ahmed searched chinagwmexport.com and found stock listings for the Tank 300 and Haval H6. Although the exact stock counts for these models weren't specified, the site's blog covered both models in detail. He used the "Haval H6 vs Tank 300: which GWM should you export?" guide to compare running costs and destination fit. For the Tank 300, reference FOB prices for used units from China typically range from $18,000 to $25,000, depending on year and mileage. For the Haval H6, expect $8,000–$14,000 FOB. Ahmed filtered listings by LHD and model year. He noted that GWM Export holds stock at two Chinese yards: Tianjin and Guangzhou. The blog "Tianjin and Guangzhou: where your GWM leaves China" explained that port choice affects transit time. Ahmed shortlisted 12 vehicles and requested quotes via WhatsApp.
Sample
Before committing to 10 units, Ahmed ordered one sample vehicle: a 2022 Tank 300 with 45,000 km, listed at $21,500 FOB. GWM Export provided real photos of the vehicle, including odometer close-ups, registration date, and interior/exterior shots. They also shared the vehicle's history report from China's domestic market. Ahmed paid a deposit of 30% via bank transfer. The sample was shipped in a 40-foot container from Tianjin to Jebel Ali. Transit took 22 days. Total landed cost for the sample: FOB $21,500 + ocean freight $1,200 + insurance $300 + UAE customs duty (5%) $1,075 + VAT (5%) $1,075 + port fees $400 = $25,550. Ahmed was satisfied with the vehicle's condition and the transparent process, so he proceeded with the full order.
Production
For the full order of 10 vehicles (5 Tank 300, 5 Haval H6), GWM Export sourced the units from the China domestic market. Each vehicle underwent a basic inspection: engine, transmission, brakes, and electronics. Mileage was verified via the odometer and registration records. The Haval H6 units were 2021–2022 models with 60,000–80,000 km, priced at $10,500–$12,800 FOB. The Tank 300 units were 2022–2023 models with 30,000–50,000 km, priced at $20,000–$23,500 FOB. GWM Export provided a commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin for each unit. They also arranged for the vehicles to be consolidated at the Guangzhou yard for container loading. Ahmed paid the remaining 70% balance before shipment. The entire sourcing and preparation took 18 days.
Delivery
GWM Export offered two shipping methods: RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) and container. For 10 vehicles, container shipping was more economical. They loaded five vehicles per 40-foot container, using two containers. The containers departed from Guangzhou's Nansha port to Jebel Ali. Transit time was 25 days. GWM Export provided the bill of lading and all export documents within 5 days of departure. Ahmed's customs broker in Dubai used these documents to clear the shipment. Total shipping cost for 10 vehicles: $8,500 (ocean freight) + $2,000 (insurance) + $1,500 (port handling) = $12,000. UAE customs duty (5% of CIF) and VAT (5%) were paid separately. The shipment arrived intact, with no damage.
Outcome
Ahmed received all 10 vehicles in good condition. He sold the Tank 300 units within 6 weeks at an average retail price of $32,000 each, and the Haval H6 units within 4 weeks at $18,000 each. His total landed cost per Tank 300 was approximately $25,000, yielding a gross profit of $7,000 per unit. For the Haval H6, landed cost was about $14,500, with a gross profit of $3,500 per unit. Overall, Ahmed made a profit of $52,500 on the entire shipment. He plans to reorder quarterly. GWM Export's transparent FOB pricing, real photos, and export document support made the process predictable. For importers in Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Kenya, Mexico, and Chile, similar opportunities exist. GWM Export stocks LHD vehicles at Tianjin and Guangzhou yards, with reference FOB prices for models like the Fengjun pickup ranging from $6,500 to $13,800. The key is to verify mileage, request real photos, and confirm all documents before payment. For assistance, contact GWM Export via WhatsApp.
Key Takeaways
- Always request real mileage and photos before purchase.
- Use the blog guides to compare models and understand shipping.
- Factor in all landed costs: FOB, freight, insurance, duty, VAT, and port fees.
- GWM Export is an independent exporter, not affiliated with GWM.
- For specific models like the Tank 300 and Haval H6, reference FOB prices guide your budget.
- Shipping via container is cost-effective for multiple units.
Next Steps
If you're an importer in Russia/CIS, the Middle East, Africa, or Latin America, start by browsing GWM Export's used vehicle stock. Filter by model family and LHD. Then reach out via WhatsApp for a quote. With clear data and a structured process, importing used GWM vehicles from China can be a profitable venture.
This article is for informational purposes only. Prices and processes are based on real data from GWM Export and may vary.