Chinese car brand GWM Ora has notched up its 1,000th sale of the Funky Cat in the UK.

The electric hatchback first went on sale in 2022 and the milestone comes as the carmaker readies its second model for launch in the UK – a BYD Seal-rivalling electric saloon.

The 1,000th car was a Funky Cat First Edition+ and was handed over to a customer named Lawrence, who declined to give his surname. "As a designer, it was the design and flair of the car that initially attracted me to Ora Funky Cat," he said.

The First Edition+ was a new variant which went on sale in 2023, joining the original First Edition model. The 'plus' model packs a larger 63kWh battery and has additional features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

Toby Marshall, Managing Director of GWM Ora UK, said: "We are thrilled to kick off 2024 by celebrating a significant sales milestone, with 1,000 Ora Funky Cats now on UK roads. Having launched just over one year ago with a single model variant in our line-up, we’re delighted with our progress so far.

"In 2024, we will continue with our ambitious growth plans, scaling core retail infrastructure and introducing new products to the UK market."

However, the 1,000th sale milestone comes as GWM Ora is poised to axe the Funky Cat name. The electric hatchback will be renamed '03' later this year as the Chinese carmaker changes its naming strategy.

As such, the BYD Seal-rivalling saloon, which was expected to be called 'Lightning Cat', will wear an '07' badge.

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Next GWM Ora to arrive in the UK will be the 07 saloon