Volkswagen was not the only “hostage” of the Chinese, the automaker also cloned the first generation Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Bronco.

The Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors, known worldwide for cloning classic cars from global giants such as Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Ford, among others, has finally implemented its plan to enter the Brazilian market after a long courtship dating back to the early 2010s. Globo, the manufacturer closed the purchase of the Mercedes-Benz factory in Iracemápolis (SP) at the end of June and intends to debut in Brazil in early 2022.

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According to a report published by Globo on July 4, “the official announcement has not yet been made, but the acquisition of the São Paulo factory was completed about two weeks ago and was mentioned in the GWM internal newspaper, on June 25”. The article explains that, in the company's publication, they even informed the technical details of the Mercedes factory and "the confirmation that they are within the necessary standards for the production of GWM cars in Iracemápolis".

The Mercedes factory in the city of São Paulo began production in 2016, with the assembly of the Class C and GLA models, until in December of last year the company decided to close its activities, due to the drop in sales.

The Chinese automaker intends to produce at the new plant in SP at least two SUVs with a premium footprint – the main candidates are the medium Haval H6 and the medium-compact Haval Jolion – and even a medium pickup to compete in the Toyota Hilux, Chevrolet S10 and cia. The great inspiration for its business strategy in the country is Caoa Chery, which tends to become its main rival.

Great Wall Motors, the Chinese automaker known for cloning classic cars from global giants like Volkswagen, Ford and Chevrolet

But after all, what automaker is this that bears the English name of China's main postcard? Believe me, it is almost as giant as the walls: one of the five largest automakers in the current largest automotive market in the world, and holds the top of the Chinese ranking in production of SUVs and pickups. That says a lot.

In 2020 alone, 1,1 million vehicles from brands linked to the Great Wall were sold in China, equivalent to more than half of the entire Brazilian market in the same period.

However, anyone who thinks that this is a state-owned company is wrong. GWM is actually privately operated, and not only that: in 2003, it became China's first publicly traded automaker, listing its Initial Public Offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The company is currently implementing a global expansion plan that includes emerging markets such as Brazil, India, Russia and Thailand. It is the first step of an ambitious strategy that aims, in the medium and long term, to venture into more demanding markets, such as Europe and the USA, becoming the largest manufacturer of SUVs and pickup trucks in the world.

Volkswagen wants to sue Chinese automaker for shamelessly manufacturing an electric copy of the iconic Beetle, check out the video below

It is possible to see that ORA was inspired – not to say that it blatantly copied – the traits of the Volkswagen Beetle in its new Punk Cat. The hood with a curved design, the rounded headlights and the rear design, complete with oval taillights, refer to the old beetle.

The interior of the ORA Punk Cat is also reminiscent of the Volkswagen Beetle, as it is equipped with a three-spoke steering wheel and instruments and dials in a circular shape. Despite the retro footprint, the interior offers a multimedia screen and cantilevered center console.

But the creation of this car with a “time machine feeling”, as ORA said, did not please Volkswagen at all, check out the video of the electric beetle below

GWM has three major divisions and four brands

Currently, GWM has three major divisions and four brands. One of them is the one that must, initially, be brought to Brazil if the purchase of the Mercedes complex is completed. The second is focused on the production of luxury SUVs and the third, on electric vehicles.

Interestingly, while the first two still talk to the past by investing in combustion products, but seeking the long-awaited identity of the Chinese automobile industry, the last one focuses on the energy matrix of the future, while maintaining old vices of Chinese manufacturers from the past.

Let's start talking about the division that interests us most: the Haval brands, dedicated exclusively to the production of SUVs, and Great Wall, which, although it bears the company's name, is used only in SUVs and pickup trucks such as the P Series family. however, they are managed by the same division, called Haval.

The SUV line currently has models of different sizes and proposals, of which two products are of particular interest to us: the compact-medium Jolion and the medium H6.

The Jolion is an SUV just under 4,50 meters long, but with a generous 2,70 m wheelbase. It is the current entry model of Haval, which in Brazil would compete with Jeep Compass, Toyota Corolla Cross and Volkswagen Taos.