Great Wall Motor, a prominent Chinese automotive group, has been making considerable progress in the European market. However, it seems to have overlooked France in its expansion strategy. The company has opted to simplify its approach to the European market by consolidating its various brands, such as Ora and Wey, under the name GMW. Furthermore, each brand now corresponds to a specific vehicle size, denoted by a number.
For example, the Ora Funky Cat, which made its debut at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, is now known as the GMW Ora 03. Similarly, the Lightning Cat has been rebranded as the GWM Ora 07. The SUVs Wey Coffee 01 and 02 are now referred to as GMW Wey 05 and Wey 03, respectively. Through this rebranding, Great Wall Motor aims to expand its model lineup and introduce new vehicles, with the Wey 03 and Ora 07 set to be launched in 2024 and an undisclosed vehicle slated for 2025.
Despite its presence in several European markets, such as Germany, Ireland, the UK, and Sweden, Great Wall Motor has not included France in its expansion strategy. This omission raises questions about whether it was intentional or simply an oversight. The French market holds significant potential for the company, particularly given the high rate of electrification in the country. Additionally, the Ora range consists entirely of electric models, while the Wey models are plug-in hybrids.
In summary, Great Wall Motor’s ambitions for the European market are ambitious, involving brand reorganization, new model launches, and expansion into additional territories. However, the absence of France from its expansion plans is unexpected and prompts inquiries regarding the company’s strategic decisions.