Great Wall Motors
Chinese multinational automobile manufacturer specializing in SUVs, pickup trucks, and electric vehicles under the GWM, Haval, and ORA brands.
Company Type
public
Founded
1984
Headquarters
Baoding, Hebei, China
Stock
HKEX: 2333
About Great Wall Motors
Great Wall Motors operates through a multi-brand strategy targeting different market segments and geographic regions. The company's portfolio includes mass-market SUVs, premium off-road vehicles, electric vehicles, and pickup trucks. Great Wall Motors has invested significantly in new energy vehicle technology, including battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The company's manufacturing footprint extends across China and internationally, with plants in Thailand, Brazil, Russia, and Pakistan. Great Wall Motors has established research and development centers in China, Japan, Germany, the United States, and India, supporting its global product development ambitions.
Great Wall Motors has positioned itself as a leader in China's transition to new energy vehicles, with the ORA brand focusing on electric vehicles and the Tank brand combining premium positioning with electrification. The company's pickup truck business, under the Poer brand (GWM Ute in some markets), maintains its leadership position in China's commercial vehicle segment.
History of Great Wall Motors
Great Wall Motors was founded in 1984 by Wei Jianjun in Baoding, Hebei Province, China. The company initially focused on manufacturing trucks and commercial vehicles before expanding into passenger vehicles in the late 1990s. Great Wall Motors went public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2003 and later listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2011.
The company's strategic focus on SUVs and pickup trucks proved highly successful as Chinese consumer preferences shifted toward these vehicle types. Great Wall Motors became China's largest pickup truck manufacturer and one of the leading SUV producers, establishing a strong domestic market position.
In the 2010s, Great Wall Motors began its international expansion, establishing manufacturing plants and distribution networks across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. The company also invested heavily in research and development, particularly in electric vehicle technology and autonomous driving systems.
In 2024, Great Wall Motors sold 1.23 million vehicles, with overseas sales and new energy vehicle sales both reaching record highs. The company closed its European headquarters in August 2024 due to low sales volumes in the region (only 6,300 vehicles in 2023), though European operations continue through alternative distribution channels.
Brands Owned by Great Wall Motors
Great Wall Motors owns 2 brands in our database.
GWM
Owned by Great Wall Motors
Chinese automotive brand specializing in SUVs and pickup trucks, owned by Great Wall Motors and distributed globally.
suvpickup-trucksautomobiles
Haval
Owned by Great Wall Motors
Chinese automotive brand specializing in SUVs and crossovers, owned by Great Wall Motors and distributed globally.
suvcrossoverautomobiles
Shop Great Wall Motors Brands
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Stock Information
Great Wall Motors Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +China's largest SUV and pickup truck manufacturer with strong domestic market position
- +Record overseas sales in 2024 demonstrate successful international expansion
- +Multi-brand strategy covers diverse market segments from mass market to premium
- +Significant investment in electric vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell technology
- +Publicly traded status provides access to capital markets for expansion
Considerations
- -European operations restructuring in 2024 reflects challenges in developed markets
- -Intense competition from other Chinese automakers including BYD, Geely, and Chery
- -Dependence on Chinese domestic market creates vulnerability to economic cycles
- -Transition to electric vehicles requires substantial ongoing investment
- -International expansion faces regulatory and trade barriers in some markets
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Wall Motors
Is Great Wall Motors publicly traded?
Yes, Great Wall Motors trades on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (2333) and Shanghai Stock Exchange (601633). The company is widely held by institutional and individual investors.
Who founded Great Wall Motors?
Great Wall Motors was founded in 1984 by Wei Jianjun, who continues to serve as chairman and maintains significant influence over the company's strategic direction.
How many cars does Great Wall Motors sell?
Great Wall Motors sold 1.23 million vehicles in 2024, representing slight year-over-year growth. Both overseas sales and new energy vehicle sales reached record highs in 2024.
What brands does Great Wall Motors own?
Great Wall Motors operates multiple brands including Haval (SUVs), Tank (premium off-road), ORA (electric vehicles), Poer (pickup trucks), and GWM (global brand).
Does Great Wall Motors sell cars internationally?
Yes, Great Wall Motors has significant international operations with manufacturing plants in Thailand, Brazil, Russia, and Pakistan, and distribution networks across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
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