Chinese firms in Europe: GWM to manufacture cars in Bulgaria

GWM has announced an agreement to manufacture the Ora 5 in Europe; the vehicle will be assembled in Bulgaria from the first quarter of 2027, as part of a partnership with the Bulgarian Automotive Industry.

The production target is 50,000 units per year. Having launched its first models on the market, GWM has now decided to expand into Europe with its production operations as well. The announcement was made at Tech Day in Milan, where the group showcased all its technologies, with a particular focus on hybrid vehicles.

Great Wall, moreover, is firmly committed to bringing its range closer to the Old Continent without having to import all its cars. This decision by the Asian giant is also driven by the opportunity to circumvent the issue of tariffs in this way, as well as by manufacturing the cars directly within the EU. The Chinese group also has a medium- to long-term objective of establishing integrated industrial hubs in Europe for both vehicles and components, which will in turn increase the range of models on offer.

Production in Bulgaria will thus complement the Research and Development Centre in Munich, which has been operational since 2021 and focuses on local demand, the regulations and validation requirements to be met, as well as involvement in decision-making from the outset of any new project. But that is not all: from a commercial perspective, in addition to Italia, Spain and the Netherlands, the Chinese giant is also preparing to enter France and other markets with the aim of optimising its presence across the EU market.

Meanwhile, in addition to the Ora 5, the GWM H7 will also be available from the end of October. This boxy SUV with an off-road look, measuring 4.68 metres in length, marks the European debut of the Hi4 hybrid all-wheel-drive system. In Italia, it will be available at dealerships with four engine options: 2.0-litre turbo petrol 4WD, Hybrid Hi2, Plug-in Hi2 and Plug-in Hi4. Prices for the H7 start at €29,990 for the Hi2 front-wheel-drive hybrid version. The range will subsequently be expanded with the arrival of the P500 pick-up, the Tank 300 off-roader and the WEY G9 MPV.