The Indian automobile industry is being invaded by Chinese manufacturers. Although there is no direct presence of Chinese car makers in India yet, they are present indirectly through other established companies. General Motors sells three Chinese cars in India, the Sail twins and the Enjoy MPV, all developed by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). Premier sells the Zotye Nomad, re-badged as the RiO, which too is a Chinese vehicle. Now Great Wall Motors of China plans to enter India, through a wholly owned subsidiary.
Great Wall is the biggest SUV manuacturer in China and is the eight largest Chinese automobile company. The SUV manufacturer was started in 1976, when Great Walls only produced trucks. Now Great Walls is on a product offensive and plans to expand to new markets including India. The company plans to set up a plant in India and is looking at Pune as the location to manufacture its SUVs. Great Walls showed interest in setting up a plant in Gujarat earlier but things did not work out.
Great Wall has zeroed-in on Pune as the Maharashtra government has offered them lucrative incentives. Also Beiqi Foton Motor Company is setting up a plant in Khed (near Pune) which will help Great Wall as well since both companies will collaborate, thereby reducing risk of investment. Beiqi Foton is owned by the Chinese government and produces commercial vehicles. Great Wall plans to launch the Haval H5 SUV in India, which has been spotted multiple times on test already. The vehicle will be showcased at the 12th Auto Expo next year.
