Great Wall Motors Reconsiders Indian Ops By Launching CBU And CKD Models?

The India-China border standoff led to the government stalling investments from Great Wall Motors and other Chinese companies last year. While it did dent GWM’s ambitious plans, the Chinese SUVmaker has now reportedly worked out a different strategy for its Indian operations. 

The automobile manufacturer is allegedly mulling a top-down strategy by initially planning to launch completely built units (CBU) and completely knocked down (CKD) units. GWM has purportedly started developing sales and marketing teams with the hope to get FDI clearance to start its India innings. Reportedly, the company plans to do that by the first quarter of FY2022 and kickstart operation after that. 

GWM is yet to decide on its offerings for India. But from what we know, its SUV range will be launched under the Haval brand, while EVs have been planned under the ORA brand The Chinese SUV giant had showcased its portfolio when it debuted at Auto Expo 2020.

In fact, the Haval Concept H made its global debut in India at Auto Expo 2020 and was supposed to be one of the first offerings for India. But the production-spec model, called ‘First Love’, has already been unveiled and launched in China. 

The return of Great Wall Motors is indeed good news. But its FDI approval is still pending, which needs to be green-lighted first for it to start operations. 

Source