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GWM Builds First European Plant in Bulgaria
27 Oct
Summary
- Great Wall Motor will establish its first European manufacturing base in Bulgaria.
- The Bulgarian plant is planned to produce 50,000 vehicles annually.
- Production at the new facility is slated to begin in early 2027.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) announced plans to establish its first European manufacturing base in Bulgaria, commencing production of the Ora 5 compact SUV by early 2027. The Bulgarian facility is designed with a planned annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles, signaling a significant step in the Chinese automaker's European comeback strategy.
This move aligns with a broader trend of Chinese automakers building local production in Europe to boost sales and mitigate trade barriers, especially following new EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. GWM aims for substantial growth, targeting 300,000 vehicles produced in Europe by 2029 and a 3-5% market share by 2030.
GWM previously attempted a European entry with EVs but faced challenges, with sales remaining modest. The company has also operated an R&D center in Munich, Germany, since 2021, focusing on local market needs and regulatory compliance.
