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Great Wall Motor opens a plant in Bulgaria and wants to produce 50,000 vehicles per year, starting in the first quarter of next year

Medeea Stănescu

27 October 2026, 13:27

International

Foto: Shutterstock

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Great Wall Motor (GWM) will produce vehicles in Bulgaria, with a planned capacity of 50,000 units per year starting in the first quarter of next year. The Chinese company has not disclosed the financial details of the agreement or which models will be assembled at the plant.

The decision is part of GWM’s strategy to expand in Europe, where Chinese automakers are developing local bases to support sales and reduce the impact of trade barriers. Currently, GWM electric cars imported from China are subject to a 10% customs duty, in addition to a 20.7% anti-subsidy tariff.

The company markets the Ora 5 model in Europe, available in electric, hybrid and petrol versions. GWM plans to launch at least ten new models or derivatives over the next two years and expand its offering beyond electric cars.

The Chinese manufacturer has operated a research and development center in Munich since 2021. GWM aims to produce 300,000 vehicles in Europe by 2029 and achieve a market share of 3%-5% by 2030. In 2025, its European sales fell by almost 30%, to approximately 3,500 vehicles.

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Context: The expansion of Chinese car production in Europe and the pressure from new rules/trade negotiations

Before GWM’s announcement, Chinese manufacturers are accelerating investments in factories and supplier chains in Europe to consolidate their local presence ahead of the introduction of “Made in Europe” rules (included in the draft Industrial Accelerator Act), which aim to stimulate European production by using more locally produced components and services.

In parallel, the EU is preparing possible temporary restrictions on Chinese hybrid cars, following the rapid increase in sales and the widening trade deficit; the measures could include tariff-rate quotas and are being discussed through negotiations between European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.