Great Wall Announces R$ 10 Billion Investment and Details Electric Car Production Plan in Brazil After Acquiring Mercedes-Benz Factory in São Paulo’s Interior

Brazilian Electric Cars: Great Wall Will Invest R$ 10 Billion to Become the First Manufacturer of Electric Cars in the Country

On the last Thursday, January 27, the Chinese automotive company Great Wall Motors announced it will start its operations in Brazil. With the arrival of the new brand, there will also be an investment of over R$ 10 billion, along with the production of its own electric cars. Although it has already announced its ambitious plans, the manufacturer has yet to disclose any specific products but hinted that it will have a portfolio consisting of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models.

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In an article published by Autoesporte in August of last year, Great Wall acquired an old factory from Mercedes-Benz in Iracemápolis, São Paulo. The automotive manufacturer’s goal is to achieve 60% localization in its cars, including electric ones, by 2025, employing over 2,000 direct workers and 8,000 indirect workers. Additionally, the Chinese company aims to raise approximately R$ 30 billion in the Brazilian consumer market during this period.

Launches in Brazil

Great Wall intends to bring the first imported car from China in the last quarter of 2022. The first Brazilian launch, which will be manufactured in Iracemápolis, is expected to hit the market starting in the second quarter of 2023.

There will be three sub-brands to launch Great Wall cars in the country – Haval, which will focus on urban SUVs; Tank, specializing in off-road models; and Poer, aimed at producing pickups. Electric cars will be brought with Ora as soon as the national infrastructure is stabilized.

In China, Poer pickups, a sub-brand of Great Wall, have led the market for 24 years. The H6, which is one of the most sought-after products to be manufactured and sold in Brazil, was the seventh most sold SUV in the world in 2021.

In the same category as the Jeep Compass and Toyota Corolla Cross, the Haval Jolion was favored as one of the possible launches from Great Wall for Brazil. However, the future electric car manufacturer in Brazil will only disclose the products to be sold in the country starting April 21.

The Chinese company also stated it is seeking partnerships with Brazilian universities for the development of technologies based on ethanol fuel cells.

Great Wall Motors is the largest private manufacturer in China and is present in over 60 countries, with 19 factories (most in China) and 8 Research and Development centers in countries such as the United States, Canada, Austria, Germany, and South Korea.