Chinese take direct control of Great Wall Motors
CHINESE brand GWM is directly entering the South African motor vehicle market by granting distribution rights to Haval Motors South Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Wall Motor Company, China.
The previous distributor, Great Wall Motors SA, began importing GWM bakkies, SUVs and cars in 2007 and established a national dealer network of over 60 dealerships and sold over 50 000 vehicles.
It is the intention of the new distributor to maintain and grow GWM’s position as the most successful Chinese brand in Southern Africa, says Charles Zhao, Managing Director of Haval Motors SA.
“The South African market plays an important part in our International Expansion Strategy and going forward we will continue to distribute vehicles, offer parts and service support as well as administer warranties through the already established dealer network.”
The new order will see the introduction of the Haval brand of SUVs into South Africa in the near future, selling alongside GWM bakkies and cars. Haval is a premium sub-brand of Great Wall Motor Company and although the company wouldn’t confirm which models will be sold here, a peek at the www.haval.co.za website reveals three product ranges listed: the compact Haval H2 1.5 turbo, the mid-sized H8 2-litre turbo and the large H9 2-litre turbo – all of them generously equipped with comfort and safety features.
In 2015 GWM China sold 850 000 vehicles globally, retaining its position as having the bestselling bakkie for 18 consecutive years and best-selling SUV for 13 consecutive years in China.
Already established GWM dealer network will continue to operate as before