This wasn't my initial journey overseas with Great Wall Motor (GWM), yet it was the first time I fully understood what the company aims to establish—not just in its domestic market but also internationally.
This visit didn’t include touring their factory, but what we observed provided insight into how GWM is establishing itself in the worldwide car industry.
Although GWM is still building its presence in markets like the Philippines, it operates as an established, progressive entity within China. It boasts a wide range of products along with robust R&D facilities. During this visit, it became clear that writing off GWM merely as “another Chinese brand” isn’t just outmoded—it completely misses the larger scenario.
GWM at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show
In the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, GWM made a strong presence. Spanning across an area of 6,000 square meters, they displayed their range of cars along with key technologies and subsidiaries such as Haval, Wey, Tank, Ora, Poer, and Souo.
One of the highlights was the Shenhua Power (referred to locally as the Cannon), which marked GWM’s debut into hybrid pickups and became China’s inaugural ute boasting dual-star safety ratings. Displayed alongside this model was the GWM Tank 300 Hooke Edition, a concept equipped with a powerful 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine tailored specifically for avid off-roaders. Adjacent to these models stood the pre-series production Ora 07 Touring, capturing many eyes with its elegant station-wagon styling—a clear demonstration that functionality and aesthetics can seamlessly blend within the realm of electric vehicles (EVs).
On day two, GWM presented the Souo S2000, a luxurious tourer equipped with a flat-eight 2.0-liter engine. This bold and surprising move signifies GWM’s foray into a completely new segment of vehicles. These unveilings were more than mere presentations—they served as declarations of their ambitions. Clearly, GWM aims to reshape the landscape of international automobile manufacturing.
Beyond just being a car maker
GWM does not view itself merely as a car manufacturer. Instead, it positions itself as a worldwide tech firm exerting impact throughout the complete spectrum of mobility—from research and development to power options. This comprehensive framework is referred to by the brand as their “Forest” ecosystem, which spans all aspects including automotive design, energy provision, and software systems.
Beneath its wing, GWM oversees several subsidiary brands, each catering to distinct market segments ranging from SUVs and pickup trucks to electric vehicles, motorcycles, and heavy-duty lorries.
Their approach to growth rests on three main supports: capability beyond paved roads, cutting-edge tech solutions, and worldwide development. They aren’t merely using trendy phrases; these foundations are supported by substantial commitments to smart vehicle systems, linked cockpit innovations, and proprietary hybrid technologies such as their Hi4 system.
The tech driving the wheels
Much of GWM’s approach to innovation revolves around their Coffee Intelligence platform—a collection of intelligent tools aimed at improving experiences for drivers and passengers alike. The platform encompasses several key components such as Coffee·AI, an artificial intelligence feature that predicts driver actions to customize car functionalities; Coffee OS 3, an AI-driven entertainment system facilitating seamless and user-friendly interactions within the vehicle; and Coffee Pilot Ultra, GWM’s sophisticated driver assistance technology featuring comprehensive Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) capabilities, supporting secure navigation through cityscapes and extensive road trips.
At the heart of GWM’s electric initiative lies its exclusive Hi4 technology (Hybrid Intelligent 4WD). This setup provides the power of an all-wheel-drive vehicle alongside the fuel economy typical of front-wheel drives—making it perfect for urban travel as well as mild outdoor excursions. The adaptability of this tech is showcased through two tailored iterations:
The Hi4-Z caters to regular commutes and leisure trips outside town, boasting a maximum pure-electric range of 200 km, achieving zero-to-100-km/h speed within 4 seconds, and capable of sustaining 20 successive accelerations.
Meanwhile, the more rugged Hi4-T targets intense off-roading scenarios, equipped with a constant-connected 4WD design, triple-locking differentials, and individual control over each wheel's torque distribution.
Collectively, these innovations underscore GWM’s commitment to superior performance, energy conservation, and smart mobility—all developed internally, thus providing the company a clear advantage in the market landscape.
GWM's Forest Ecosystem: Beyond Its Individual Components
At the heart of Great Wall Motor’s international plan lies their “Forest Ecosystem” — an entirely interconnected growth structure covering every aspect of the transportation industry. This system links various sectors within the company, ranging from cutting-edge research and development to energy management, intelligent tech innovations, production processes, and quality assurance. The firm manages 13 worldwide R&D hubs focused on designing vehicles, building prototypes, and conducting rigorous tests to ensure product suitability for different market needs. Additionally, their power unit facilitates more than just the Hi4 hybrid setups; they also delve into future-oriented hydrogen tech via initiatives such as Hy-L.E.M.O.N., alongside offering battery fabrication and storage services through their affiliate, SVOLT.
In terms of technology, GWM keeps breaking new ground with AI-driven driver aids, intelligent cabin systems, and flexible vehicle designs—much of this innovation happening internally. Their efforts are bolstered by vertical integration via subsidiaries like Hycet, responsible for making engines and transmissions, and Nobo Auto, concentrating on car interiors. For validating their cutting-edge developments, GWM conducts extensive field tests at specialized locations including the XuShui Testing Center.
The manufacturing sector is also thriving, boasting fully operational factories in China, Thailand, and Brazil, along with KD (knock-down) assembly facilities in Malaysia and Ecuador. These setups enable GWM to distribute vehicles effectively throughout a wide geographical area spanning Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Unlike conventional automobile manufacturers, GWM’s ecosystem showcases its transformation into a worldwide mobility and tech firm—one that focuses not only on producing cars but also on establishing comprehensive infrastructures tailored for contemporary transport needs.
This signifies what will happen in the Philippines.
At present, GWM Philippines is concentrating on the Cannon pickup—a vehicle that has already demonstrated success in China’s highly competitive market. However, the Haval H9 is upcoming, which will broaden the brand’s reach into the luxury SUV sector.
The timing could not be more perfect. Given the increasing local enthusiasm for hybrid vehicles, electric cars, and SUVs, GWM presents attractive options—free from the usual lengthy delivery periods and high costs typically linked with many international manufacturers.
Should the positive response persist, it's quite likely that many more GWM models will arrive shortly in the country, guided by the Luxuriant Automotive Group.
The primary hurdle when discussing up-and-coming brands such as GWM lies in overcoming preconceived notions. Terms like “Chinese automobile manufacturer” might lead to underestimation and misrepresentation. In reality, GWM isn’t merely an auto company looking for recognition; rather, it’s a technology-focused mobility enterprise pouring significant resources into advancements.
If this narrative seems recognizable, it’s because it echoes what happened with Japanese companies during the 1970s and South Korean manufacturers in the 1990s—brands that were initially trailing behind but have since become dominant forces in their respective industries.
GWM goes beyond manufacturing vehicles; they’re developing an entire ecosystem—this encompasses hybrid models, intelligent interiors, hydrogen technology, and indeed, motorcycles too. No matter if you're a casual explorer, regular traveler, or enterprise head, GWM offers various options worthy of your attention.