GREAT WALL VEHICLES PRODUCED IN BULGARIA WILL BE AVAILABLE IN ITALY, CZECH REPUBLIC, AUSTRIA AND POLAND.
The partner of Great Wall “Litex Motors” will produce 2,000 vehicles this year in the factory in the village Bahovitsa, Lovech. Next year, the production will be increased up to 5,000 vehicles and 15 thousand in 2015. Untill 2017 full capacity shall be reached – 50 000 cars on two shifts, was anounced during the second day of the International automotive conference.
“The reason for the gradual increase and still working below the full capacity is the brand developing and the production in parallel. Great Wall is still entering in the new markets and the next year will cover the countries of our region, such as Romania, Greece and Serbia. We are already operating in Montenegro and Macedonia. Up to 4 years we will have a sales network in Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and the region around Bulgaria.” said Anton Donchev, international director of “Litex Motors”.
The plant in Bahovitsa works with Bulgarian suppliers and local staff. “Since the beginning we had the idea to use local suppliers and employees. All rechargeable batteries are Bulgarian; lubricating fluids are “Prista Oil” (also Bulgarian supplier). But after all that is final assembly, which limits us in choosing only local contractors.”,said Donchev.
“Litex Motors” has held talks with 10 of more than 100 Chinese companies before launching negotiations with “Great Wall”. “We decided that “Great Wall” has the highest growth potential in Europe. Currently, this is the largest Chinese manufacturer of SUV cars and pickups. The production began in January 2012. This is the first factory which produces Chinese cars in the EU.Capacity is 50,000 cars a year in two shifts , but with the addition of a third shift it can reach 100 thousand units. At the moment the entering on the markets in Western Europe is not on the agenda and we have permission from the headquater to grow up to the Czech Republic.”, said Donchev.
“Litex Motors” are very satisfied by the quality of production, which is controlled at the end of each zone. “Because of this we were awarded as the best Great Wall plant outside of China two following years and even some recognize us as better than the parent factories in China.” said Donchev.
Within a few months the plant is going to start the production of Steed 5 pickup trucks and the SUV Hover 6. The company does not seek to offer the lowest price in the market but the best value for money, attractive products, between 3 to 5 years warranty and best after-sale service. For 2012, Great Wall occupies the 6th place in sales with 3 models and 6.42% market share. The company is the leader in light freight vehicles market.
Speed-Press Agency