Great Wall Motor's European reboot: hybrids, ICE, and new models
Great Wall Motor reboots European strategy with hybrids and ICE focus
Great Wall Motor's European reboot: hybrids, ICE, and new models
Great Wall Motor shifts from EVs to hybrids and internal combustion engines in Europe, planning a factory for 300,000 cars by 2030 and launching new models like Ora 5.
2026-02-13T23:41:19+03:00
2026-02-13T23:41:19+03:00
2026-02-13T23:41:19+03:00
Great Wall Motor has announced a reboot of its European strategy. After an unsuccessful focus on electric vehicles, the brand is now shifting its emphasis to hybrids and internal combustion engines. GWM plans to build a factory capable of producing 300,000 cars annually by 2030, which will require a dramatic sales increase—nearly a hundredfold.The new chapter for the company begins with the Ora 5, which will be available in both electric and hybrid versions. Following this, two gasoline-powered Haval models will enter the European market. The company is also considering sedans, station wagons, and even a pickup truck, targeting regions with inadequate charging infrastructure.The challenge is that during GWM's absence, competitors like BYD, Chery, and Leapmotor have already filled the available space. BYD tripled its sales in the EU in 2025. Meanwhile, GWM itself reduced shipments by nearly 30%, closed its Munich office, and is starting over from the Netherlands.Despite this, the brand's international sales grew to 506,000 vehicles, and management believes that reaching the goal of one million export cars is impossible without Europe. However, the market has changed: European brands have become more active, and Chinese competitors have strengthened their positions, making GWM's return significantly more difficult.
Great Wall Motor, European strategy, hybrids, internal combustion engines, Ora 5, Haval, car factory, sales increase, Chinese automakers, EV shift
2026
Michael Powers
news
Great Wall Motor reboots European strategy with hybrids and ICE focus
Great Wall Motor shifts from EVs to hybrids and internal combustion engines in Europe, planning a factory for 300,000 cars by 2030 and launching new models like Ora 5.
Michael Powers, Editor
Great Wall Motor has announced a reboot of its European strategy. After an unsuccessful focus on electric vehicles, the brand is now shifting its emphasis to hybrids and internal combustion engines. GWM plans to build a factory capable of producing 300,000 cars annually by 2030, which will require a dramatic sales increase—nearly a hundredfold.
The new chapter for the company begins with the Ora 5, which will be available in both electric and hybrid versions. Following this, two gasoline-powered Haval models will enter the European market. The company is also considering sedans, station wagons, and even a pickup truck, targeting regions with inadequate charging infrastructure.
The challenge is that during GWM's absence, competitors like BYD, Chery, and Leapmotor have already filled the available space. BYD tripled its sales in the EU in 2025. Meanwhile, GWM itself reduced shipments by nearly 30%, closed its Munich office, and is starting over from the Netherlands.
Despite this, the brand's international sales grew to 506,000 vehicles, and management believes that reaching the goal of one million export cars is impossible without Europe. However, the market has changed: European brands have become more active, and Chinese competitors have strengthened their positions, making GWM's return significantly more difficult.
