Great Wall Motors Thinks Its Big SUVs Are Perfect For America

The Journey...

Recently, Great Wall Motors (GWM) announced its plans to expand more in Europe with seven new hybrid models. The brand is betting on plug-in hybrid and electric cars, which it will be launching over the next two years across the Atlantic.

The brand's lineup consists of crossovers and off-roaders, all of which are big, filled with tech, and electrified. Based on its lineup in China and the rest of the world, the brand has a wide range of compact crossovers and off-road SUVs. Some are exercises in excess, while others are more sensible.

... of 6,250 Miles...

GWM has been amping up its presence in Europe with a clear roadmap and plans to build a complete business ecosystem on the continent. The brand is cultivating an environment that will see its products through their life cycles from start to finish.

"We are committed to building a complete business ecosystem in Europe – not just to sell cars, but establish local R&D and production capabilities, operate our wholly owned sales and service organizations, and partner with a network of outstanding local dealers," said GWM's President, Mu Feng.

The current lineup of GWM in Europe covers three key product categories in GWM's business unit. The Ora series is presented as a stylish daily driver of an electric compact SUV, while the Jolion nameplate features hybrid power in a compact SUV body. The biggest of the bunch is the H7, an off-road-focused hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV that's next on the brand's launch calendar for the region.

... Starts with the First Step

While the brand has already put down its roots in Europe, intending to become a mainstream brand on the continent, it's still determined to enter the U.S. market.

"The U.S. is the No. 1 market [GWM wants to get into], so of course we have plans and ambitions," said Parket Shi, the head of the automaker's international business unit at this year's Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

GWM's ambitions also align with those of other Chinese brands seeking to enter North America. Geely is one such brand that has already entered North America through Lotus, but GWM appears hell-bent.

Considering the brand's lineup of products, it features big, bold, electrified vehicles that might just appeal to U.S. customers. Product lines like the Tank series are of particular interest. They're big, bold, rugged, and filled with tech, offering a different take on what an off-road-focused SUV should be.

GWM's Already in the U.S... Sort of

GWM already has technology centers in Detroit and Los Angeles, and it has participated in American trade shows like CES a total of 2 times as of the time of writing. At CES, the brand showcased two models that might appeal to the U.S. market: the G9 and the 07 crossover. The 500 series was also showcased, and given its size's proximity to the Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia, this could be the brand's headlining gig, presenting a robust, rugged appearance and feature set while keeping its forward-thinking approach to its tech elements. In addition, the brand also showed a twin-turbo V8 engine this year.

What's keeping GWM and other Chinese automakers is the tariffs and trade restrictions that are in place. With that in mind, and since it already has roots in the U.S., the brand plans to bide its time until restrictions ease.

View the full article