China's Great Wall Motors To Set Up Plant In Pune

Updated: Monday, June 10, 2013, 12:17 [IST]

Great Wall Motors, China's largest SUV manufacturer and the country's eighth largest automaker overall (sixth largest in terms of volume), is working towards setting up a manufacturing plant in Pune. Great Wall Motors is expected to introduce the Havel H5 suv along with a host of other cars for the Indian market.

Earlier, Great Wall Motors had tried making its India foray by forming a partnership with New Delhi based tractor manufacturer International Car and Motor Limited. However, that partnership failed to materialize and hence the Chinese automaker has decided to make an independent entry. Great Wall Motors has no plans to team-up with any local players.

The Chinese automaker initially looked towards Tamil Nadu and Gujarat for setting up its plant, but owing to substantial incentives offered by the Maharashtra government the automaker finalized on Pune, reports ET.

"Great Wall has also taken into account Chinese government-owned Beiqi Foton Motor Company's decision to set up its commercial vehicles facility at Khed near Pune with a cumulative investment of Rs 1,676[crore]. The proximity factor is expected to help both the companies achieve back-end synergies," said an ET source privy to the matter.

Executives from the company are already in India to set up the whole process. Expect Great Wall Motors to exhibit its India lineup, including the Havel H5 suv at the Delhi Auto Expo next year. Production at the Pune plant is scheduled to begin from 2016. With its entry GWM will become the first Chinese automaker to have a presence in India.