Great Wall Motor accelerates growth in R&D and global sales

Great Wall Motor has ramped up efforts in high-quality manufacturing and core technology R&D during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), with patent and sales figures showing steady growth.

As of June 2025, GWM had filed nearly 50,000 patent applications, and secured close to 30,000 grants. From January to August 2025, the automaker sold 789,719 vehicles, up 5.94 percent year-on-year.

In August alone, new energy vehicle sales reached 37,495 units, a year-on-year rise of 50.92 percent, while overseas sales for the month increased 11.65 percent to 45,166 units.

GWM's annual R&D spending has topped 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) for three consecutive years.

The company now boasts an R&D team of about 23,000 people and has developed a comprehensive testing system that includes the first safety laboratory by a Chinese automaker, the first comprehensive proving ground among domestic carmakers, and the country's first high-altitude environment simulation lab and climatic wind tunnel lab.

In addition, it has set up the industry's first interactive experience laboratory integrating VR, HMI, full-vehicle simulation and human-factors testing.

In 2024, GWM commissioned a multi-angle crash laboratory, which is said to be Asia's largest independent safety lab.

In the intelligent NEV segment, GWM has developed the Hi4 technology system, integrating high-efficiency engines, transmissions and electric-drive components tailoring solutions for different scenarios.

In the off-road segment, GWM is the first in the industry to apply power-split technology to off-road models, offering gasoline, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

According to the company, vehicles based on this system deliver up to 715 kilowatts of output and accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in four seconds.

Among plug-in hybrid off-road models, the electric-only range exceeds 200 km. GWM said it remains the sales leader in China's off-road market and has made technical advancements across city SUVs, MPVs and heavy-duty trucks.

GWM's global footprint continues to expand rapidly. Its overseas sales network now includes more than 1,400 outlets, with a global user base exceeding 15 million.

The company has sold over 2 million units internationally, with models entering markets in Dubai, Australia and South Africa.

The automaker operates three full-vehicle manufacturing factories abroad, including one in Thailand, and runs knock-down plants in countries such as Ecuador.

Its factory in Brazil is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025, further supporting its ambition to serve as a global calling card for China's auto industry.