Photo: screengrab from the official website of Brasil 247

By Brasil 247 - China's automaker GWM has signed a commitment term with Brazil's Espírito Santo state government to begin technical and institutional procedures for a potential second vehicle plant in the country, complementing its Iracemápolis (São Paulo) facility inaugurated in 2025.

The information was reported by Motor1 Brasil, which said the document was signed on Wednesday (Jan. 14) during an official agenda in China. The commitment term was signed by Espírito Santo Vice Governor Ricardo Ferraço and GWM chairman Jack Wei, while Governor Renato Casagrande joined by videoconference. The document does not authorize immediate construction, but formally initiates the technical and institutional stages needed to assess and structure the project.

Motor1 Brasil reported that Espírito Santo has been strengthening its role in GWM's Brazilian operation as a logistics hub. In 2025, the automaker imported more than 45,000 vehicles through ports in the state, helping consolidate Espírito Santo as the company's main logistics base in Brazil.

Although the final site will depend on further studies, Aracruz in northern Espírito Santo has emerged as the most likely location, according to the report. Factors cited include access to the BR-101 highway, proximity to multiple ports, Sudene regional incentives, and the planned ParkLog structure aimed at large industrial projects.

Initial projections mentioned in the report point to investments around R$ 340 million, with a potential start of operations around 2028 if the timeline proceeds without delays. Motor1 Brasil also noted that the initiative fits GWM's broader plan in Brazil, where the company has indicated its investments could reach up to R$ 10 billion by 2032, with the Espírito Santo project positioned as a strategic complement to Iracemápolis.

The report said other states, including Paraná and Santa Catarina, were also considered in discussions, but Espírito Santo stood out due to port efficiency, strategic location and an environment viewed as more predictable for new investments. Motor1 Brasil added that all GWM vehicles imported from China currently arrive in Brazil via the Port of Vitória (Espírito Santo), in an operation conducted in partnership with Comexport.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on Jan 15, 2026)