Great Wall Motors (GWM), the well known Chinese automobile maker, is looking for the possibilities of setting up a vehicle production unit in Gujarat. The revelation came through the hands of a senior government official in Ahmedabad on January 3, 2013, who acknowledged Gujarat as the next most promising automobile manufacturing hub in the country.
As per sources, a senior delegate from Industry Department quoted, “A delegation from GWM had come to Gujarat a few months ago and explored the possibility of setting up a manufacturing facility in industrial zones like Dahej, Sanand and Halol.” The official further added, “The delegation's visit was sequel to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's trip to China in 2011.”
Evidently, top auto majors operating on Indian turf like General Motors India Private Limited (GMIPL) and Tata Motors have already installed their world-class vehicle assembling units in Gujarat. Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the country's largest passenger car maker, has also planned a Rs. 4,000 crore project to be built in Mehsana near Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Further, Ford India Private Limited (FIPL), a subsidiary of American auto major Ford Motor Company, is in the middle of a process of establishing a state-of-the-art vehicle production plant in Gujarat.
Interestingly, “Planning for the Future Production Capacity: Realising the sales target of 1.3 million units and production capacity target of 1.5 million by 2015,” says official website of Great Wall Motors.
At present, the Chinese auto giant has an approximate production capacity close to 8,00,000 units per year. As per reports, the leading Chinese Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and pick-up manufacturer has short listed Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat as three possible destinations for its upcoming vehicle production unit in the country.
Reportedly, Great Wall Motors has marked presence in over 100 international auto markets along with a well structured sales network in over 80 countries across the globe. The Chinese auto giant's main exporting markets are Europe, South and Central America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The company may be a new name to most Indians, but looks set to establish itself as a major automobile company in the country.
