Why was the WEY P8 discontinued?
4 Answers
WEY P8 was discontinued due to poor sales. Below are the specific details about the WEY P8: 1. Vehicle Positioning: The WEY P8 is positioned as a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV, with dimensions of 4760mm in length, 1931mm in width, and 1655mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2950mm. 2. Powertrain: It is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 2.0T engine and two electric motors, with a combined maximum power of 250kW, mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a pure electric range of 50 kilometers. 3. Features: It comes with keyless entry, a welcome lighting system, welcome memory (including heated, ventilated, massaging, and memory functions for the luxury seats, and multi-functional exterior mirrors linked to the system), a smart induction tailgate, a streaming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and an air quality control function.
As a car enthusiast who frequently follows automotive news, I believe there are several main reasons for the discontinuation of the WEY P8. The key issue was its lackluster market performance. As a plug-in hybrid SUV, its initial pricing was relatively high, and pure electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y in the same price range were more appealing, leading to poor sales. Later, the WEY brand shifted its strategy to focus on pure electric and autonomous driving models, such as the current Mocha DHT-PHEV. With rapid technological advancements, the P8 platform became outdated, and the high maintenance costs made discontinuation a logical choice. Additionally, adjustments in new energy policy subsidies reduced the advantages of hybrid models, prompting the company to streamline its product line and concentrate resources. Consumer preferences have also shifted significantly, with more people favoring pure electric range, leaving the P8 in an awkward position. In summary, the discontinuation was driven by market and technological trends, not quality issues, and future models will be more advanced.
When repairing cars, I've encountered many P8 users who mentioned tight parts supply, which could be a sign of discontinuation. With sluggish sales and limited inventory at 4S stores, daily maintenance becomes troublesome, so companies naturally want to phase out unprofitable products. Cost control is also a factor—hybrid technology requires specialized parts and complex production, making it less efficient than the modular approach of pure electric vehicles. Policy shifts favoring pure EVs, along with reduced subsidies, have decreased the P8's appeal. From a repair perspective, hybrid models like this have high battery maintenance costs, and average users find it more convenient to switch directly to pure EVs. Companies are adjusting strategies, unifying platforms to reduce diversity, which benefits long-term development. Users now report that current models are more reliable.
From the perspective of the automotive industry, the discontinuation of the WEY P8 reflects genuine market feedback. Poor sales performance, user reports of low cost-effectiveness, and weak price competitiveness were key factors. Great Wall Motors shifted its focus to a pure-electric strategy, exemplified by the rise of the ORA brand, leading to resource reallocation and the eventual phasing out of the P8. Competing models like the BYD Song PLUS hybrid received better reviews, while shifting consumer preferences—with reduced range anxiety and surging demand for pure EVs—further marginalized the P8. The company optimized its product lineup, recognizing the P8's outdated positioning. Its discontinuation is a normal business decision that does not hinder brand innovation, with future priorities centered on smart and sustainable technologies.