GWM reinforces Brazil strategy, presents Tank 300 to Lula during COP30

Chinese automaker highlights low-emission technology, local hiring and industrial expansion in meeting with Brazil’s president.

Nov 6, 2025 12:46 PM

By Brazil Stock Guide – Great Wall Motor (GWM), China’s largest privately owned automaker, used its participation at COP30 in Belém (Pará) to reaffirm its long-term commitment to Brazil. During a meeting on Wednesday (Nov. 5) with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, company executives outlined new investments, nationalization targets, and innovation programs focused on sustainable mobility.

Andy Zhang, president of GWM Brazil & Mexico, and Ricardo Bastos, director of institutional affairs, described Brazil as a strategic pillar in the group’s global operations. The agenda included industrial development, workforce training, and low-emission production for Latin America — with the government and the automaker discussing Brazil’s potential to become a regional energy-innovation hub, according to Brasil247.

Presidential visit and symbolic gesture
After the meeting, Lula was introduced to the Tank 300, one of the 100 vehicles that make up COP30’s official fleet for transporting international delegations. The president also received a framed photo from the inauguration of GWM’s Iracemápolis, in São Paulo plant in August — a symbolic gesture that underscored the growing proximity between the government and the company.

Local talent and technology
“The Brazilian operation plays a strategic role in GWM’s global vision,” Zhang said. “Our goal is not only to produce in the country but to develop local technology, with Brazilian engineers and specialists creating solutions tailored to the region’s reality.” He added that the Iracemápolis plant is expected to end 2025 with 1,000 employees. Lula was also invited to visit GWM’s booth at the São Paulo Motor Show, scheduled for Nov. 22–30.

Alignment with Brazil’s industrial policy
Ricardo Bastos emphasized that GWM’s expansion aligns with the country’s industrial strategy. “We are building an operation that connects industry, innovation, and sustainability. There is alignment between Brazil’s goal of strengthening its production base and GWM’s commitment to regional development,” he said. With a presence in over 150 countries and 13 R&D centers across four nations, GWM employs 80,000 people and has led China’s midsize-pickup segment for 27 consecutive years, with more than 50% market share.