Ahead of its entry to the Indian market, Great Wall Motors is all set to acquire Talegaon plant of General Motors (GM) which stopped sales in the country in 2017 and will completely cease operations in India. The American automaker has announced an agreement with GWM regarding the sale of the plant, subject to the requisite government and the regulatory approvals.
GWM Global Strategy Vice-president Liu Xiangshang stated that the agreement will be a step towards company’s plan to enter and invest in India. He said that the market in the country is a potential one and ensures rapid growth and a good investment aura. Entering the Indian market will be an important step towards Great Wall Motors’ global presence.
He also said, “It is also an important measure to respond positively to the Indian government’s national strategy of vigorously advocating Make In India, Digital India and a ‘strong focus on clean energy in India’ and building a new India vision.”
“Great Wall Motors’ new investment will create more jobs,(direct and indirect employment alike) further enhancing the skill level in the auto industry; promote the development of the local supply chain, R&D and related industries; and contribute more profits and taxes to the government of India and the government of Maharashtra.”
“Great Wall Motors will officially debut its Haval brand and GWM EV at the Delhi International Auto Show, and launch its Indian market plan.”
GM International Operations senior vice-president Julian Blissett said that the Talegaon plant had been a vital facility which delivered excellent vehicles for domestic as well as export markets. He thanked the employees as well as the partners for their loyalty and outstanding work over the years.
He also stated, “Our decision to cease production at Talegaon is based on GM’s global strategy and optimisation of our manufacturing footprint around the world.”
“On behalf of GM, I also want to express our gratitude to the government of Maharashtra and the government of India for their supportive partnership ever since we began to make investments and build cars in India. We will work closely with the state and national governments to secure the required approvals so that GWM can elevate production at the plant even further and maintain Talegaon’s status as a vibrant vehicle manufacturing region.”
Indian markets can expect Haval H2 SUV, H6 mid-size SUV and H9 SUV to launch soon. H2 will be locking horns with Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. H6 will be rivalling against Mahindra XUV500, MG Hector and Tata Harrier. H9 will be competing against the likes of Ford Endeavour, Mahindra Alturas and Toyota Fortuner in India.
