Latest news with #GreatWallMotor
Nikkei Asia
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Nikkei Asia
China's automakers bring tech edge to Australia's small but brutal market
THE GLEN, Australia -- As Chinese automakers fight a bruising price war at home, they are also waging a battle for the overcrowded Australian market. And like in any conflict, it helps to capture high ground. In May, Hebei-headquartered GWM, formerly known as Great Wall Motor, brought three of its latest models to the Springs 4X4 Adventure Park in southeast Queensland. Owner and professional off-road driver Lucas Bree classifies the courses at the 1,700-acre (688-hectare) park as ranging "from easy to stupid."
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
US EV policy rollback fuels China's rise in Malaysia, dims Tesla's edge
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) market may be on the cusp of a turning point as shifting global tides, particularly the United States' rollback of EV incentives, reshape the competitive landscape and weaken Tesla's global momentum. The US' move to end its US$7,500 federal EV tax credit and phase out emissions-related regulatory credits, signed into law on July 4, is expected to weigh on Tesla's future earnings and competitiveness, especially in price-sensitive markets. The incentives, which expire after Sept 30, had been instrumental in fueling EV adoption in the US and supporting Tesla's dominance. The company has already posted its weakest quarterly profit in over a decade, hit by falling deliveries and lower vehicle prices. With that safety net set to disappear, analysts say the door is now open for rival brands, particularly from China, to gain ground in emerging markets like Malaysia. "Brands like BYD, Great Wall Motor (ORA), and Chery are expanding aggressively through competitive pricing, faster product rollouts, and local partnerships," said automotive analyst Rosli Khan. He added that Tesla's lack of local manufacturing or assembly, along with its premium positioning, leaves it vulnerable in a price-sensitive and infrastructure-dependent market like Malaysia. "With Tesla's expansion slowing, Chinese brands can now accelerate their market dominance through local assembly and better after-sales support—areas where Tesla has been relatively absent," Rosli said. He also pointed out that Malaysian buyers are increasingly gravitating toward mid-range, functional EVs rather than high-tech, premium models, a trend that plays directly into the hands of Chinese players with localised strategies. Amid growing demand in this mid-market segment, another analyst Hezeri Samsuri said Malaysia's own EV tax incentives, set to expire at the end of 2025, could tip the scales against premium players like Tesla. "Tesla might be a strong global brand, but in Malaysia, they can be replaced by other EV brands. Once the incentives end, the gap they leave will likely be filled by various other players," said Hezeri. He also said the government must look beyond attracting EV brands and focus on ensuring a robust after-sales ecosystem, especially if foreign players begin to retreat once the tax holidays expire. Malaysia's EV tax incentives currently include full import and excise duty exemptions for fully imported EVs, road tax exemptions for EV owners and tax breaks for locally assembled models. However, with the exemptions for imported EVs and road tax set to expire at end-December, EV prices, particularly for premium imported brands like Tesla, are expected to rise significantly, weakening their competitiveness in the local market. Meanwhile, despite efforts to position Malaysia as an EV hub, both analysts agreed that the country continues to trail behind regional pacesetters like Thailand and Indonesia. "Malaysia has political stability, a strong manufacturing base, and solid port infrastructure, but delays in EV charging infrastructure, slow regulatory approvals, and inconsistent coordination between federal and state governments remain significant bottlenecks," Hezeri said. "Thailand and Indonesia offer better EV policy execution, clearer investment roadmaps, and more complete supply chain ecosystems." Even so, Rosli said Malaysia can still carve out a niche as a Tier-2 or Tier-3 manufacturing hub, especially for Chinese EV makers seeking to hedge against Western geopolitical risks, if structural reforms are implemented decisively. Looking past showrooms and into the supply chain, they said Malaysia could evolve from a passive EV consumer to a strategic contributor in the regional EV manufacturing network, particularly in high-value areas like battery systems, software integration, and electronics. Electronikar editor and analyst Shamsul Yunos said national automakers Proton and Perodua would be better served by partnering with Chinese players rather than trying to outpace them. "Malaysian automakers can forge strategic partnerships with Chinese manufacturers and focus on niche market development by leveraging their technology and supply chain," he said. Shamsul added that Malaysia's automotive policy must shift away from low-value assembly towards high-value activities such as research and development, especially in battery packaging, battery management systems and power electronics. "Regardless of the US policy shift, the last 40 years show Malaysia needs to move beyond export substitution and develop deeper technical capabilities," he said. Rosli echoed this sentiment, noting that Malaysia's mature semiconductor industry gives it a head start in EV component production, particularly in sensors, power electronics, and control systems. "The government should align investment incentives with local capability-building through talent development and supply chain localisation. "If this alignment is achieved, Malaysia could integrate more deeply into the EV manufacturing network, not just with Chinese brands but also with Japanese and Korean Tier-1 suppliers," he said, adding that such a move could position Malaysia as a strategic springboard into the Asean EV market.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Great Wall Motor's first supercar to have a 4.0L V8 plug-in hybrid?
GREAT WALL MOTOR (GWM) has officially revealed a glimpse of its first-ever supercar, marking a bold entry into the high-performance automotive segment. Unveiled by Chairman Wei Jianjun on the company's 35th anniversary, the yet-to-be-named model is set to feature a self-developed 4.0-litre V8 engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system, positioning it as a formidable contender against BYD's all-electric Yangwang U9. The teaser image, shared on Wei Jianjun's official Weibo account, showcases the prototype cloaked in a black film, with the GWM chairman and company executives gathered around it. Though heavily covered, the car's long proportions, sloped bonnet, and muscular rear haunches suggest a mid- or rear-mounted engine layout. Prominent air intakes situated in front of the rear fenders reinforce expectations of a performance-focused design. The only difference between the U9 and this is that this does not feature the huge swan neck spoiler. The supercar has been in development for several years, with reports tracing its origins back to 2021. GWM formally committed to the project in January 2025, during its general meeting, which also marked the initiation of a new luxury division internally codenamed 'BG'. That same month, the company filed a new trademark, '自信汽车' (Zixin Qiche or 'Confidence Auto'), with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), signalling a new direction under a premium sub-brand. Further confirmation of the project came in April 2025, when GWM's Chief Technology Officer, Wu Huixiao, disclosed that the company had been consistently developing the supercar for five years. She noted that a significant portion of that time was devoted to balancing engineering ambition with cost control, an indication of the company's strategic planning to ensure feasibility without compromising on performance or innovation. The powertrain at the heart of this supercar is GWM's proprietary 4.0-litre V8 engine. While detailed performance specifications remain undisclosed, the V8 will be paired with an electric component as part of a plug-in hybrid setup, offering both high output and extended efficiency, in line with the latest trends in hybrid supercar engineering. Though GWM has yet to release full details, the vehicle is expected to enter the Chinese domestic market at a price exceeding one million yuan. This places it directly in competition with the BYD Yangwang U9, which has garnered attention for its quad-motor setup delivering 1,287hp and 1,680Nm of torque.
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
China car giants rush into Brazil with dreams of dominating a continent
Great Wall Motor took over the Mercedes plant in Brazilian town of Iracemápolis, near São Paulo, after the German carmaker closed shop in 2021. SíO PAULO – A two-hour drive beyond the traffic jams of São Paulo, past the vast valleys of sugar cane, one of the first Chinese battery-powered car factories in the Americas is getting ready to open. Its goal is to reinvent the way Brazil drives, and ultimately, the rest of Latin America, much as Chinese automakers have already done across much of Asia and want to do in Europe. Until recently, this factory was run by German giant Mercedes-Benz. Today, it's owned by Great Wall Motor, a company that is now one of China's leading exporters of stylish, affordable electric vehicles. The change in hands reflects a profound disruption for one of the world's most vital industries. If American and European petrol-guzzling cars once dominated global tastes and trends, that era appears to be fast turning to China's favour. Today, not only does China make and export more cars of all types than any other country in the world, Chinese firms dominate the global manufacture of battery-powered vehicles of the future. They also control the supply chain for virtually everything that goes into those cars. China's EV s are among the most advanced in the world. Some today go as far on a single charge as top-of-the-line Teslas, at lower prices. One Chinese carmaker, BYD, short for Build Your Dreams, has developed technology that can deliver a full charge in just five minutes. Little wonder that Tesla sales in China are lagging, and that the United States, under both Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump, have essentially banned Chinese car imports. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore's digital banks finding their niche in areas like SMEs as they narrow losses in 2024 World Trump says US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines, down from 20% Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore 2 foreigners arrested for shop theft at Changi Airport Opinion Most companies onboard the wrong way – here's how to get it right Sport AC Milan's Rafael Leao gives Singapore fan an unforgettable birthday Life Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath's bat-biting frontman turned reality TV star, dies aged 76 Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving For China, that leaves the rest of the world. Its electric and hybrid manufacturers have set up, or are in the process of setting up, factories in Hungary, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand and Turkey. These efforts, including Great Wall's Brazilian factory, are part of a globe-spanning campaign by China to seize a major share of the world's auto industry. Western auto giants are alarmed. 'We are in a global competition with China,' Jim Farley, the chief executive of Ford Motor, said at the Aspen Ideas conference in June. 'It's not just EVs. And if we lose this, we do not have a future at Ford.' Great Wall Motor took over the Mercedes plant in the industrial town of Iracemápolis, near São Paulo, after the German carmaker closed shop in 2021, blaming a slump in luxury car sales. BYD took over a Ford factory after years of poor sales and steep losses forced the US car giant to end its long history of manufacturing in Brazil. Brazil, the world's sixth largest car market, is trying to take advantage of the trend, instead of being steamrolled. It's prodding companies, no matter where they're from, to make cars on Brazilian soil, the less polluting the better, while also imposing steadily rising tariffs on imports. It hasn't all been smooth sailing. There have been union clashes over Chinese labour practices. But the government's overall message: If you want access to our car buyers, then come and create factories and factory jobs here. 'We don't want to be an importer of technologies produced in other countries only,' said Rafael Dubeux, special adviser to the Finance Ministry, in an interview in Brazil's capital, Brasília. 'We also want to take advantage of this profound change in the world, in manufacturing facilities, so that Brazil also has a part in the value chains that we think are the ones that will prevail.' At least three Chinese firms are opening assembly plants in Brazil. In addition to Great Wall Motor and BYD, another Chinese automaker, Chery, has teamed up with a Brazilian company, Caoa, to produce cars in central Goias state. Nevertheless, Marcio Lima Leite, head of the Brazil automaker association, remains worried. The new Chinese auto plants are mainly assembling cars with components imported from China, including the most valuable component, batteries. That, he said, will not advance the industry in Brazil. 'It's very important to have competitiveness in Brazil, to produce the new technology in Brazil,' he said. Chinese carmakers have had to bend to local needs in important ways. In Brazil, that means the needs of the powerful ethanol industry. Ethanol is produced from the country's huge sugar cane crop, and Brazilian law requires every litre of petrol to be a little more than 25 per cent ethanol. So the auto companies aren't just making fully electric cars in Brazil. They are also having to make hybrids that run partly on the petrol-ethanol blend and partly on batteries. NYTIMES
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Smart Mobility International opens first WEY Showroom in Dubai and launches the new Plug-in Hybrid WEY 03
RELATED TOPICS UAE RELATED COMPANIES Smart Mobility Advanced Saf Great Wall Motor First WEY showroom opens on Sheikh Zayed Road, marking brand debut in the UAE New WEY 03 plug-in hybrid unveiled, featuring Hi4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system with up to 378 hp Offers an advanced driving experience with three power sources and five selectable driving modes Delivers outstanding fuel efficiency at just 5.68 litres per 100 km (WLTC cycle) Equipped with advanced safety features including radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors Backed by up to 1 million km of warranty and 3 years of complimentary service Dubai, Smart Mobility International (SMI) is the UAEs first specialist distributor of Premium Chinese electric vehicles has officially inaugurated its first WEY showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road - Murdouf Centre - Al Safa 1 - Dubai, reinforcing the company's commitment to growth and innovation in the region's mobility sector. Aligned with Smart Mobility's vision to support sustainable transportation in the UAE, WEY, One of Great Wall Motor's (GWM) leading automotive brands, offers one of the best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), combining premium performance, cutting-edge smart energy technology, sophisticated design, and an integrated smart ecosystem. The showroom's grand opening was Hosted by Moutaz Louis, CEO of Smart Mobility International, as well as a host of dignitaries, industry leaders, car enthusiasts, and company executives. New WEY 03 model At the launch ceremony, Smart Mobility International unveiled the new WEY 03, an advanced plug-in hybrid featuring the Hi4 all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with front and rear electric motors, delivering responsive all-terrain performance, strong acceleration, and impressive fuel efficiency. Drivers can choose from three power sources (EV, Ev Priority and Hybrid) and five driving modes (ECO, Normal, Sport, Snow and AWD), offering a perfect balance between efficiency and dynamic handling. The WEY 03 delivers a total output of 378 hp and 750 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km in just 6 seconds. Its 2,745 mm wheelbase ensures a stable and comfortable ride. Exceptional Fuel Efficiency The WEY 03 delivers impressive fuel efficiency, consuming just 5.68 litres per 100 kilometres under the WLTC cycle. It offers an electric-only range of up to 130 kilometres, powered by a 27.5 kWh battery, making it well-suited for daily urban commuting without using fuel. The result is a zero-emission driving experience aimed at reducing environmental impact. Advanced Safety Systems Prioritising occupant safety, the WEY 03 is equipped with advanced 5 Millimetre-wave radar (MWR), 8 Ultrasonic radar, 1 Sensor camera (front) and 4 Surrounding Camera. Standard safety features include lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, reverse lateral braking, and six airbags—providing comprehensive protection in all driving conditions. Strategic move Moutaz Louis said the launch of the first WEY showroom in Dubai is a strategic move to expand the company's footprint in the region's NEV market. 'We are committed to delivering innovative technology solutions that integrate premium craftsmanship with performance engineering. The WEY 03 delivers a best-in-class driving experience, combining high torque output and fuel efficiency, underpinned by a focus on sustainable powertrains and intelligent vehicle architecture. He noted that the launch of this model demonstrates the company's commitment to preserving the environment and creating sustainable mobility solutions that support the UAE's vision to move towards a more sustainable future. Million Kilometre Warranty Smart Mobility International has also announced a suite of premium after-sales services, including a warranty of 1 million kilometres or 5 years for the vehicle and 8 years or 1 million kilometres for the battery. The offering includes free servicing for 3 years or 60,000 kilometres, a complimentary charger, and one year of free insurance, demonstrating the company's commitment to delivering a comprehensive and customer-focused ownership experience. Accessible hub The Smart Mobility International Service Centre is designed to deliver top-tier after-sales support, combining advanced diagnostic technology with a highly trained technical team. Committed to customer satisfaction, the centre provides comprehensive services including maintenance, repairs, software updates, and genuine spare parts for all vehicle models under Smart Mobility International. Spanning 5,000 sqm, and located in Al Quoz, the centre offers customers a convenient and accessible hub for all their service needs. With a focus on efficiency, transparency, and convenience, the centre ensures every customer receives premium care that matches the quality and innovation of the vehicles it supports. About Great Wall Motor Great Wall Motor (GWM) is a leading global automotive manufacturer from China, renowned for its expertise in SUVs, off-road and pickups. Among its brands, WEY stands out as the premium SUV line, focusing on smart, high-end vehicles with advanced technology. Named after Mr. Wey, the founder and chairman of GWM, the brand reflects his personal commitment to excellence and his promise to create the best vehicle in the GWM lineup. Established under the GWM umbrella, WEY combines luxury design with strong performance and represents the pinnacle of the company's innovation. Maintains full control over its key components and has sold over one million vehicles. In the UAE, it operates multiple brands, including HAVAL and TANK.
