Chinese auto major Great Wall Motors exploring Gujarat option for its India plant

AHMEDABAD: Chinese auto major Great Wall Motors (GWM) is exploring the option of setting up a manufacturing facility in Gujarat, an emerging automobile hub, a top Government official said today.

"A delegation from GWM had come to Gujarat a few months ago and explored the possibility of setting up a manufacturing facility in industrial zones like Dahej, Sanand and Halol," an official from Industry Department said.

"The delegation's visit was sequel to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's trip to China in 2011," he said.

"Planning for the Future Production Capacity: Realising the sales target of 1.3 million units and production capacity target of 1.5 million by 2015," says the GWM website.

Targeting a production capacity of 1.5 million units by 2015 from the existing 800,000, the leading Chinese SUV and pick-up maker is exploring possibilities in states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat for its India facility, industry sources said.

GWM vehicles are exported to over 100 countries and the firm has sales network in more than 80 nations. Europe, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Russia and Australia are the major exporting regions for GWM, the portal stated.

Companies like General Motors and Tata Motors already have their manufacturing facilities in Gujarat. Besides, US auto giant Ford and Maurti Suzuki are in the process of setting up their plants in the state.

French auto major Peugeot Citroen had also announced plans to set up a plant in the state, but the process has got delayed due to economic slowdown in Europe.