Great Wall Motors – GWM: Reflecting China’s Growing Automobile Sector and the Future of NEVs in Africa
By Wu Lu and Wu Desheng (Kirtan Bhana)
BRICS Financial Media - BFM
Mr. Li Jinhu, Executive Director of Great Wall Motors South Africa, presented a promising outlook of GWM at a meeting with BRICS Financial Media (BFM). It was a bold step by the Chinese manufacturer to set up operations in South Africa in 2007 in a market dominated by European and Japanese carmakers. However, the company has since made significant progress, cementing its position in the automotive sector.
Chinese brands and products, once met with skepticism and perceived to be of lower quality, have undergone a metamorphosis, thanks to the process of high-quality development that has seen a surge in innovation and invention. This progress is evident across various industries, but the automotive sector stands out as one where China has made remarkable strides. GWM, in particular, represents these advancements, not only in technology and mechanics, but also in design, making their vehicles both desirable and aspirational.
In South Africa, GWM models have gained popularity by offering more features at a lower price compared to established brands in similar categories. This strategy has positioned GWM as the leading Chinese-manufactured vehicle brand and placed it among the top 10 brands sold in South Africa. With 94 dealerships across the country, GWM has successfully integrated into the well-established South African automotive sector and is expanding in Southern Africa, with dealerships in Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland.
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Recognizing the rapidly transforming African market, GWM’s global R&D facilities are actively working to provide solutions for environmentally conscious motorists. The shift towards New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) is reshaping the global automotive industry, and Africa is not exempt from this transition. As the continent experiences increasing urbanization and infrastructure development, sustainable mobility solutions are becoming more relevant than ever.
A UN report on Road Safety highlighted several critical concerns about road user safety, comparing fatalities from road accidents to those caused by diseases. The report called for urgent action to enhance global road safety. Over the next decade, this initiative will focus on improving the well-being of road users, who are at the center of economic growth and development. As innovations in transportation continue to evolve, considerations around safety, health, and wellness must be prioritized. The UN Road Safety Decade aims to address these challenges while also analyzing the impact on the entire automotive supply chain, including financing, insurance, and associated services.
The modern epoch of transportation, logistics, and infrastructure is unfolding before us. The rise of NEVs is propelling the automotive industry into an exciting future. Just as humans once transitioned from domesticated animals to steam engines, and later to internal combustion engines, we are now witnessing the shift towards electric, alternative energy-powered and automated vehicles. The internal combustion engine, which has dominated for over a century, is now facing its potential successor.
GWM, like other emerging automotive manufacturers, is inspired by the boundless opportunities in innovation that lie ahead. As electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid models gain traction, the industry is moving towards sustainable energy solutions that will define the future of mobility. The African continent, with its vast potential, presents a unique opportunity for the expansion of NEVs. Governments and private enterprises alike are exploring ways to develop infrastructure that supports electric mobility, from charging stations to renewable energy integration.
The success of GWM in South Africa and its expansion into the broader African market demonstrates the growing influence of Chinese automakers in shaping the future of transportation. With cutting-edge technology, improved safety measures, and an emphasis on environmental consciousness, the automotive industry is entering a transformative era. The future of NEVs in Africa is promising, and GWM is well-positioned to be a driving force in this new era of mobility.