Chinese automaker GWM is accelerating its European expansion with plans to build its first car manufacturing plant on the continent. According to Reuters, the planned facility aims to reach an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles by 2029. With sites under consideration in Spain and Hungary, the move is part of GWM’s strategy to revive waning European sales and stake a stronger claim in the competitive automotive market across Europe.
Who is GWM, and what’s behind the European expansion
GWM (Great Wall Motor) is a privately-owned Chinese automaker headquartered in Baoding, Hebei. Founded in 1984, the company has grown to become one of China’s leading producers of SUVs, pickup trucks, and electric vehicles (EVs).
Historically, GWM has established manufacturing bases outside China (including plants in Russia, Thailand, and Brazil) as part of its globalisation push. The planned European plant represents GWM’s first full vehicle production facility on the continent. The company’s international arm is currently evaluating potential plant locations, with Spain and Hungary among the top candidates.
GWM’s management has underlined that location decisions will be influenced by factors such as labor costs and logistics, especially important given the need to ship components to Europe for assembly. The new plant is expected to produce vehicles across a broad range of powertrains, from conventional internal-combustion engines to fully electric models, reflecting GWM’s intention to appeal to a wide cross-section of European consumers.
GWM also aims to hit a long-term milestone of 1 million overseas vehicle sales annually by 2030, and the European plant is a cornerstone of that ambition.
GWM’s Sub-Brands: What they offer
GWM markets vehicles under several sub-brands, each targeting different customer needs and segments:
- Ora – Trendy, compact EVs for city and lifestyle-focused drivers.
- GWM Pickup – Durable pickups designed for work, utility, and adventure.
- Haval – SUVs combining comfort, modern technology, and reliability.
- Tank – Premium off-road SUVs built for rugged performance and challenging terrain.
In Europe, the Ora sub-brand is the most visible to date. The compact electric hatchback GWM Ora 03 is its best-known model on this side of the world. For more details about the Ora 03, you can check this dedicated vehicle page.
What’s next: What this could mean for Europe
With a European production facility, GWM could reduce logistics costs and tariffs, streamline supply chains, and tailor production to the tastes and regulations of European markets. This might lead not only to increased availability of existing models like the Ora 03, but also to new multi-powertrain vehicles, including EVs and hybrids, specifically designed for Europe.
If executed properly, GWM’s European factory could mark a significant step in the penetration of Chinese automakers into the European market, offering more competitive pricing, broader powertrain choices, and potentially faster availability than imports.
FAQ
Q: When does GWM expect its European plant to reach full production capacity?
A: GWM aims to hit 300,000 vehicles per year by 2029.
Q: Which countries are under consideration for the plant location?
A: Currently, Spain and Hungary are among the leading candidates for the new European factory.
Q: What types of vehicles will the European plant build?
A: The plant is expected to produce a mix of conventional internal-combustion, hybrid and fully electric vehicles, covering GWM’s broad product range.
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