Photo: Courtesy of Brasil 247

By Brasil 247 - GWM (Great Wall Motors) used its participation in COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, to reaffirm its long-term plans in the country and showcase its sustainable mobility vision. According to Brasil 247, company executives met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday (November 5) to discuss industrial expansion, low-emission technologies, and professional training initiatives aimed at boosting Brazil's role in regional innovation.

During the meeting, Andy Zhang, president of GWM Brazil & Mexico, and Ricardo Bastos, director of Institutional Affairs, emphasized Brazil's strategic position within the company's global operations. Also present were executives Gustavo Maranhão and Ives Lan from the Government Relations division.

GWM said the conversation focused on industrial development, technological advancement, and the expansion of production for low-emission vehicles across Latin America. Both sides also discussed Brazil's potential to become a regional hub for energy innovation.

After the talks, President Lula was introduced to the GWM Tank 300, one of 100 vehicles supplied by the automaker for official use during COP30 to transport international delegations. Lula also received a photo taken at the inauguration of GWM's Iracemápolis factory in São Paulo, held in August, symbolizing the growing partnership between the company and the Brazilian government.

"The country plays a strategic role in GWM's global vision. We want to invest not only in production but also in local technology development, with Brazilian engineers and specialists creating solutions suited to regional realities," said Andy Zhang.

The company updated Lula on hiring plans for the Iracemápolis unit, expected to employ 1,000 workers by the end of 2025. The president was also invited to visit GWM's booth at the São Paulo International Motor Show, scheduled for November 22-30.

Ricardo Bastos noted that GWM's operations align closely with Brazil's industrial policy. "We are building an operation that integrates industry, innovation, and sustainability. There is clear alignment between Brazil's interest in strengthening its productive capacity and GWM's commitment to developing the region," he said.

The meeting reinforced the automaker's intention to expand investment, increase local content, and strengthen Brazil's leadership in Latin America's transition toward low-emission vehicles.

GWM, one of China's largest privately owned automakers, operates in over 150 countries and maintains 13 research and development centers across four nations.