Great Wall remains in Germany even without European headquarters

The Chinese car manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM), represented in Germany with the Ora and Wey model series, is closing its European headquarters in Munich in August and laying off all employees. Three years ago, the company spoke of an "important milestone" when it opened the site. But now, according to a GWM spokesperson, the market for electric cars in Europe has become much more difficult and the strategy for Europe is being adapted accordingly. In future, support for the European market will be managed from China in close cooperation with local importers.

GWM is represented in the European markets of Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, Ireland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Israel. In Germany, the models are distributed by the Emil Frey Group. The decision to close the European headquarters "does not mean that we are withdrawing from the German market," explains Johannes Brandenburger, Managing Director of O! Automobile GmbH, the German importer company for GWM. "As the Emil Frey Group, we are still responsible for the German market. Nothing will change for our customers as a result of GWM's new organizational structure; we will continue to sell cars in Germany and customers will continue to receive their usual service, all services and, of course, all spare parts," says Brandenburger, giving the all-clear. (aum/ww)