GWM targets Q1 2027 production at Bulgaria base in European push
Phate Zhang
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Oct 29, 2026, 5:54 AM GMT+8
The Lovech base will have a planned annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles, with the Ora 5 as its first production model.
GWM plans to introduce at least 10 new models and variants in Europe over the next 2 years.
GWM (HKEX: 2333) plans to establish a production base in Bulgaria, with the first vehicle expected to roll off the line in the first quarter of 2027, advancing its efforts to localize production in Europe.
The company will partner with Bulgarian Automotive Industry (BAI) on the base in Lovech, according to a statement GWM released on Wednesday.
Upgrades to the plant's production lines are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, enabling new energy vehicle (NEV) production. The facility will have a planned annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles, with the Ora 5 as its first production model.
GWM chief technology officer Wu Huixiao disclosed the plan on October 27 at the launch of the GWM H7 in Milan, Italy.
The project provides a concrete timeline for GWM's manufacturing plans in Europe and will connect with its existing research and development and sales networks, extending its local operations from selling imported vehicles to producing them locally.
GWM said the Bulgarian base will link up with its distribution networks in markets including Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, while serving as a base for further localization of its European supply chain.
The company also plans to develop an industrial park in Europe integrating vehicle and component production, and gradually expand its product lineup in response to market demand. It did not disclose a construction timeline for the park.
Under its latest plan, GWM will introduce at least 10 new models and variants in Europe over the next 2 years, broadening its lineup to meet local consumer needs.
GWM established its European research and development center in Munich in 2021. The company said its European team participates in requirements research, regulatory compliance work and engineering validation from the outset of vehicle development projects.
For the Ora 5 and GWM H7, GWM has conducted road tests and user research through its European team, making targeted adjustments to the chassis, steering, powertrain and seats.
The newly announced Bulgarian base marks a concrete step forward following GWM's earlier exploration of manufacturing locations in Europe.
Reuters reported in November 2025, citing GWM International president Parker Shi, that the company was evaluating factory sites in countries including Spain and Hungary, with a goal of producing 300,000 vehicles annually in Europe by 2029.
GWM's latest statement did not explain how the Bulgarian base relates to the previously reported European production target and site selection plans.
The European initiative also extends GWM's efforts to expand local production in other overseas markets. Its Brazilian plant began operations in August 2025, with an annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles.
GWM sold 114,944 vehicles in September, down 13.99% year-on-year, bringing sales for the first 9 months into decline at 0.33%.