Great Wall Motors Achieves Milestone as First Chinese Carmaker to MassProduce Electric Vehicles Outside China, Utilizing Former Holden Factory

By Jeff Gibbs

In a signifcant development marking a milestone for the electric vehicle industry, Chinese automotive powerhouse Great Wall Motors (GWM) has commenced the production of electric cars at the former Holden Colorado Ute factory in Thailand. The inaugural vehicle, the GWM Ora Good Cat, an electric hatchback sold as the GWM Ora in Australia, recently rolled off the production line in Rayong, Thailand. GWM proudly claims the title of being the frst Chinese car manufacturer to undertake mass production of electric vehicles outside of China.

Formerly operated by General Motors (GM) and utilized for manufacturing Holden vehicles, including the Colorado Ute and Trailblazer SUV, the Rayong facility became part of GWM’s portfolio following GM’s decision to exit right-hand-drive markets. GWM not only acquired the plant but also invested in upgrading it to produce electric vehicles. The company initiated production of H6 Hybrid SUVs at the Thai factory in 2021.

The GWM Ora, an affordable electric vehicle that gained recognition as Australia’s cheapest EV with early 2024 discounts, may potentially transition from its current sourcing in China to Thailand. GWM has yet to confrm this shift, but the move underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging the former Holden factory for electric vehicle manufacturing. Situated in proximity to GWM’s battery supplier, S-Volt, the Rayong factory holds the capacity to produce 120,000 vehicles annually. S-Volt, which completed a new factory in late 2023, operates production lines dedicated to hybrid vehicle modules and battery packs for plug-in hybrid and fully-electric vehicles.

The Rayong province, with its established network of car factories and component manufacturers, serves as an ideal location for GWM’s manufacturing endeavours. The coastal region is home to various automotive giants, including the production of the current Ford Ranger for Australian markets and several other top-selling utes like the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton, and Nissan Navara, all manufactured in Thailand.

As GWM leads the charge in electric vehicle production in Thailand, it is not the sole Chinese automaker venturing into the region. In November 2023, Changan broke ground on a new factory in Rayong, with plans to commence production in 2025, focusing on a hybrid four-wheel-drive model poised for the Australian market.