Great Wall Motors (GWM) now in Thailand, CKD 2021 Haval H6, other xEVs coming

Great Wall Motors (GWM), parent company of SUV specialist brand Haval and Ora electric vehicles, is now present in Thailand.

Great Wall Motor Thailand has since taken over the former General Motors plant in Rayong, which used to make the Chevrolet Sonic, Colorado, and Trailblazer.

At a virtual event that had just ended earlier, GWM said it will be launching its brand in Thailand with 9 models, 4 of which will be launched within 2021.

Of the 4 models planned for 2021, only 2 were revealed - the Haval H6, an upper C-segment Honda CR-V-class 5-seater SUV; and the Ora Good Cat, a compact battery-electric hatchback.

The remaining upcoming models will most definitely include the GWM Pick-Up (also known as Pao in China, Ute in Australia), a Toyota Hilux-class 1-tonne pick-up truck. Despite not appearing in the cover photo, the Pick-up was mentioned many times and GWM was keen to stress that the Great Wall Pick-Up is China's No.1 selling pick-up truck.

Another model earmarked for Thailand should be the Haval First Love, a Toyota Corolla Cross-sized SUV.

Both the H6 and Pick-Up will certainly be assembled at the Rayong plant. The company has also submitted applications to Thailand’s Board of Investment for approval to produce electrified vehicles there, in return for lower taxes.

At the virtual event, GWM mentioned the phrase “New User Experience” a lot while referring to its range of electrified models in its global line-up, suggesting that hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric GWM models will soon be launched in Thailand.

Prices and specifications of the models mentioned have yet to be revealed. A separate product launch will take place in March, at the 2021 Bangkok Motor Show.

Founded in 1984, GWM is now China’s No.3 ranking domestic brand in terms of sales. In 2020, it sold 885,776 cars in China alone, behind Changan’s 956,823 units and Geely Auto’s 1,317,108 units (including Lynk and Co).