Photo: Sina Weibo account of China's private automaker Great Wall Motor

By Brasil 247 — China's private automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) inaugurated its first factory in Brazil on Friday in Iracemápolis, São Paulo state. The ceremony was attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services Geraldo Alckmin, according to Agência Gov.

The plant is expected to create 900 jobs by the end of this year and already has more than 100 registered Brazilian suppliers. GWM will also become the first automaker authorized under Brazil's MOVER program to produce plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) domestically. 

Lula: Brazil as a Platform for Sustainable Industry

During the event, President Lula underscored the significance of the new factory for Brazil's economy.

"Make Brazil a platform to sell your products across Latin America. Count on the Brazilian government, because whatever we can do to bring more companies and industries here to create jobs, we will do," Lula told GWM Chairman Mu Feng.

The president's remarks highlighted his administration's broader strategy of attracting productive investment and strengthening Brazil's role as a hub for sustainable vehicle manufacturing in Latin America.

Alckmin: Innovation and Job Creation

Vice President Alckmin stressed that GWM's arrival aligns with the goals of the New Industry Brazil (NIB) plan, which seeks to modernize Brazil's industrial base and advance the ecological transition.

He also emphasized the long economic reach of the auto sector.

"The automotive industry has an extensive supply chain capable of generating thousands of indirect jobs. GWM has supported the entire production chain, including auto parts, and we have the best workers in the world—so skilled that one of them became president of the Republic," Alckmin added, referring to Lula.

Production Capacity and Vehicle Models

The Iracemápolis plant begins operations with an annual capacity of 30,000 vehicles, with plans to reach 50,000 by 2026. Production will focus on hybrid and electric models, including the Haval H6, Poer, and H9, positioning GWM as a leading player in Brazil's clean mobility market.

Under the MOVER program, GWM must invest in research, workforce training, and meet targets on energy efficiency, vehicle safety, and local content. In return, the company will gain access to tax credits, a key incentive for promoting innovation and sustainability.

Strategic Importance for Brazil's Economy

The automotive industry is one of the pillars of Brazil's economy. Vehicle production rose 9.7% in 2024 compared with the previous year, totaling 2.5 million units. Brazil currently ranks 7th globally in auto sales and 8th in production.

Passenger vehicle exports reached $4.2 billion in 2024, with Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Uruguay, and Chile as the main destinations. The sector employs about 130,000 people directly and over 1 million indirectly.

With GWM's investment, Brazil is strengthening its role as a strategic hub for automotive innovation and sustainability, reinforcing the country's leadership in green mobility across Latin America.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on August 16, 2025)