(Yicai Global) May 18 -- China's Great Wall Motor is adjusting its branding strategy and releasing new energy vehicle models that have no gas-powered counterparts to attract more customers.

Hebei province-based GWM intends to launch an overland vehicle and an urban sport-utility vehicle in its electric line-up this year after releasing Haval Xiaolong and Haval Xiaolong Max, two NEV models in the Haval SUV series that also has gas-powered cars, with independent sales channels, Yicai Global learned.

Haval Xiaolong and Haval Xiaolong Max only come in electric versions as the carmaker learned through primary market feedback that potential NEV buyers prefer all-NEV series to mixed ones, Li Ruifeng, chief growth officer, explained to Yicai Global.

Haval is the bedrock of sales for GWM and that is why the company's electrification strategy relies on the transformation of the marque, Li said to Yicai Global. The Haval H6 ranked No. 1 in China's SUV market for several years until BYD's Song Plus DM-i sold more last year, prompting GWM to step up its electric vehicle game.

Car buyers are looking to go electric and big automotive companies do not necessarily have an advantage in NEVs. Last month, GWM was one of China's top 10 NEV sellers with 13,700 units but BYD scored nearly 200,000 units and even Geely Holding Group came in before GWM, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

Editors: Shi Yi, Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi