Great Wall Motors, Chinese largest automaker had showcased a wide range of products at the 2020 Auto Expo. The company had announced to invest $1 billion (around ₹7,000 crore) in India in phases. This money will be used to acquire the General Motors’ Talegaon facility, and setting up of a research & development (R&D) facility, and establishing sales and marketing infrastructure.
Besides GWM, Chinese automakers such as Haima Automobiles, Changan Auto and Chery are also planning to enter India. These brands are awaiting the Government’s nod for establishing production facility, and sales and marketing network.
GWM is currently waiting for FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) approval to commence India operations at the Talegaon facility in Pune. Due to India-China border dispute and rising tensions, the launch of GWM’s Haval brand is expected to be pushed to 2022. Adding to it, Changan Automobile plans of setting up a greenfield facility might be pushed to 2023-24.
We reported earlier that Great Wall Motors had approached the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Competition Commision of India (CCI) for the approval. The company was aiming to introduce Haval SUVs in India in 2021. It was reported that Great Wall Motors is aiming to launch its first product in June 2021. However, the launch could be further delayed to 2022. The company plans to launch 4 new SUVs under the Haval nameplate in India. Adding to it, GWM is also considering entering in the sub-10 lakh space to challenge Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki.
