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Volkswagen Was Not the Only “Hostage” of the Chinese, the Automaker Also Shamelessly 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 like Volkswagen, Chevrolet, Ford, among others, is finally realizing its plan to enter the Brazilian market after a long courtship dating back to the early 2010s. According to the newspaper O Globo, the manufacturer finalized 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 received a mention in GWM’s internal newspaper on June 25.” The article explains that, in the company’s publication, they even provided technical details about the Mercedes factory and “the confirmation that they meet the necessary standards for producing GWM cars in Iracemápolis.”
The Mercedes factory in the São Paulo city began production in 2016, assembling the C-Class and GLA models, until in December last year the company decided to cease operations due to a drop in sales.
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‘Interlocking brick’ made of earth arrives in the construction industry with cost reductions of up to 40% on the project.
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Espírito Santo will receive the largest engineering project in its history with the duplication of BR 262, which will have 50 viaducts, 28 bridges, and 2-kilometer tunnels cutting through the most challenging mountainous region of the entire state.
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A project of nearly 9 million reais already has the first kilometer paved in Santa Catarina and promises to completely transform the access between Jaraguá do Sul and Rio dos Cedros in an area where tourism is growing at a rapid pace.
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A couple builds a system to bring water from the spring to their land, climbs a hill with materials on their backs, and creates a simple, cheap, and sustainable solution to ensure their own water supply.
The Chinese automaker intends to produce at least two premium SUVs in the new SP factory – the main candidates are the mid-size Haval H6 and the compact-medium Haval Jolion – and even a mid-size pickup truck to compete in the segment with Toyota Hilux, Chevrolet S10, and others. The major inspiration for their business strategy in the country is Caoa Chery, which is likely to become their 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 kind of automaker has the English name of China’s main postcard? Believe it, it is almost as gigantic as the walls: one of the five largest automakers in today’s largest automotive market in the world, and it ranks at the top of the Chinese list in SUV and pickup production. This says a lot.
In 2020 alone, 1.1 million vehicles from brands linked to Great Wall were sold in China, equivalent to more than half of the entire Brazilian market in the same period.
However, those who think it is a state-owned company are mistaken. GWM is actually a private operation, and not only that: in 2003, it became the first auto manufacturer in China to operate as a publicly traded company, registering its Initial Public Offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Currently, the company is implementing a global expansion plan that includes emerging markets like 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 pickups in the world.
Volkswagen Wants to Sue Chinese Automaker for Shamelessly Producing an Electric Copy of the Iconic Beetle, Check Out the Video Below
It is possible to see that ORA was inspired – to not say that it shamelessly copied – the features of the Volkswagen Beetle in its new Punk Cat. The curved design hood, rounded headlights, and the shape of the rear end, complete with oval taillights, refer to the old beetle.
The interior of the ORA Punk Cat also resembles the Volkswagen Beetle, as it is equipped with a three-spoke steering wheel and circular gauges and displays. Despite the retro touch, the interior offers a multimedia screen and a cantilever center console.
But the creation of this car with a “time machine feel,” as ORA itself stated, did not please Volkswagen at all, check out the electric Beetle video 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 should initially be brought to Brazil if the purchase of the Mercedes complex is finalized. The second focuses on producing luxury SUVs, and the third on electric vehicles.
Interestingly, while the first two still engage with the past by investing in combustion products, but are seeking the long-desired identity of the Chinese automotive industry, the last one focuses on the energy matrix of the future while maintaining old habits of past Chinese manufacturers.
Let’s start by talking about the division that interests us the most: the Haval brands, focused exclusively on SUV production, and Great Wall, which, although it has the name of the company, is only used for commercial vehicles and pickups like the Série P family. Both, however, are managed by the same division, called Haval.
The SUV lineup currently features models of various sizes and proposals, two of which particularly interest us: the compact-medium Jolion and the mid-size H6.
The Jolion is an SUV measuring just under 4.50 meters in length, but with generous 2.70 meters of wheelbase. It is the current entry-level model of Haval, which in Brazil would compete with the Jeep Compass, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Volkswagen Taos.
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