Great Wall Motor's Strategic Growth Initiative in Europe
On October 15, 2025, Great Wall Motor (GWM) officially announced a comprehensive plan aimed at expanding its presence in the European automotive market. This pivotal strategy comes at the GWM Europe Partner Day, symbolizing the conclusion of a significant period of strategic realignment within the company. GWM is committed to reinforcing its long-term involvement in Europe by introducing a diverse range of new models to attract various consumer segments.
Seven New Models Set to Launch by 2026
Starting in mid-2026, GWM plans to launch at least seven new vehicle models, which marks an exciting phase for the company. A highlight of this launch will be the debut of the Haval brand's product line in the European market. GWM is well-known for its expertise in SUVs and 4x4 technology, promising that most of the upcoming models will fall into the SUV category, featuring various sizes and configurations. These vehicles will be equipped with either two-wheel drive or a hybrid intelligent all-wheel-drive system (Hi4), showcasing GWM's innovative engineering capabilities.
In addition to SUVs, GWM will unveil a new line of compact urban cars under the GWM ORA branding. This diverse product portfolio will include a wide array of engines, encompassing budget-friendly internal combustion engines, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), long-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and zero-emission battery electric vehicles (BEV). This strategic diversification aims to cater to the evolving preferences of European consumers, promoting greener options alongside traditional vehicles.
Expansion Strategy in Key Markets
GWM's expansion plan also includes a strategy to accelerate outreach into additional European markets. In major markets such as Spain and Italy, the company aims to establish autonomous national sales companies, which will mark GWM's first fully-owned operations in Europe. For smaller markets, GWM will continue its practice of partnering with independent importers.
In every market, GWM intends to forge partnerships with experienced local independent dealers and dealership groups to facilitate vehicle sales and provide after-sales services, ensuring a customized approach to meet local demands.
Positive Outlook from Potential Partners
The response from potential partners at the GWM Europe Partner Day was overwhelmingly positive, with over 100 representatives from 12 different European markets expressing strong interest in GWM's future plans. Many participants left the event feeling optimistic about GWM's engineering capabilities and the new business opportunities that the expansion presents. Parker Shi, the president of GWM International, emphasized the need for transparency, understanding, and trust in forming genuine partnerships. A significant number of these potential partners officially confirmed their intent to join GWM's European network, with letters of intent signed to initiate discussions about collaboration in 2026.
Commitment to European Expansion
GWM's decision to significantly slant its operations towards Europe, beginning mid-2026, signifies a crucial moment for the company as it aims to enhance its presence in the competitive automotive landscape of the region. More details will soon be released regarding GWM's commitment to building a strong foothold across Europe, as the company prepares for a robust and exciting future.
For more information, please visit GWM's official website:
www.gwm-eu.com