Workflow
Haval
icon
Search documents
China's Great Wall Motor restarts its European grand tour with hybrids, gas-powered cars
Reuters· 2026-02-13 08:45
Core Viewpoint - Great Wall Motor (GWM) is re-entering the European market with a focus on hybrids and combustion-engine vehicles, aiming to double its overseas sales to 1 million vehicles by 2030, despite previous setbacks in the region [1]. Group 1: Market Strategy - GWM plans to establish a European factory with a production capacity of 300,000 cars per year by 2030, necessitating a nearly hundredfold increase in sales [1]. - The company aims to appeal to European markets by introducing a range of vehicles, including the Ora 5 electric vehicle and models from its Haval SUV brand, while also considering sedans and station wagons [1]. - GWM is focusing on enhancing resale values, which are crucial for European consumers, and is actively recruiting new dealers in the region [1]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The European market has evolved since GWM's initial entry in 2021, with other Chinese brands like BYD and Chery gaining traction, while European automakers are launching more affordable models [1]. - GWM's sales in Europe fell by 25.4% in 2024 and nearly 30% in 2025, totaling just 3,500 cars sold [1]. - The company faces a challenging environment as European brands have become more competitive, making it harder for GWM to regain market share [1]. Group 3: Sales Performance - GWM's total vehicle sales increased by 7.3% year-on-year to 1.32 million vehicles, with overseas sales rising by 11.7% to 506,066 vehicles, driven by growth in markets like Australia and Latin America [1]. - The U.S. market remains inaccessible for Chinese automakers, and limited access in India and Japan poses challenges for GWM in achieving its 2030 sales target without a strong presence in Europe [1]. - Analysts suggest that GWM's target of 1 million vehicles is pragmatic, provided the company maintains a consistent approach in the European market [1].