Built by the world, for the world: GWM ORA 03 as 1st EV by any Chinese OEM mass-produced outside of China and also Thailand 1st Mas-produced BEV
Bangkok – GWM (GWM) achieved a historic milestone on January 12, 2024, as the first mass-produced electric vehicle by Chinese OEM outside of China, the GWM Ora 03 (aka. GWM Ora Good Cat), rolled off the production line at the GWM Rayong factory in Thailand. This marks a significant breakthrough for both Chinese automotive industry as well as Thailand's automotive history, meaning the accelerating democratizing progress from ICE vehicles to electrified models.
Significance of the Event
- The GWM Ora 03 is Thailand's first locally manufactured electric vehicle, making a pioneering shift in the country's automotive industry from traditional ICE models to pure electric models.
- This marks GWM's debut in overseas production of full electric vehicles, representing a historical moment in GWM's global strategy and ecological expansion, signifying its capability to produce a comprehensive range of new energy products covering HEV, PHEV, and BEV models on a global scale, like the GWM's Brazilian factory, as well as other knocked-down assembly production bases across the world in the future.
- S-VOLT under GWM Holdings Group would be starting to supply batteries to the Thai-built GWM Ora 03 from first half of 2024. Meanwhile, S-VOLT will also be supplying power batteries to car brands like Mitsubishi, Mini, NETA and others. The planned capacity for S-VOLT in Thailand can meet the demand for 60,000 battery PACKs of BEV (50-60 kWh on average). Meanwhile, S-VOLT is actively engaging in the energy storage battery to better serve the local communities with models capable of V2G and V2L functions, building a complete new energy chain in the local market.
GWM's Presence in Thailand
Earliest Presence:
- In November 2020, GWM officially acquired the Rayong factory, becoming the first fully-owned Chinese automotive brand to enter the Thai market.
- On February 9, 2021, GWM officially launched the GWM brand, becoming the first brand in the Thai market dedicated to new energy vehicles and announcing a direct sales model with a unique "partnership" and "fixed-price" sales approach.
- In May 2021, the first HEV model rolled off the Rayong factory line, establishing the facility as Thailand's first pure new energy vehicle manufacturing base.
Deepest Commitment:
- In March 2022, GWM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Thai Excise Department, demonstrating its commitment to Thailand's pure electric vehicle support policy, aiming to support Thailand in becoming a hub for electric vehicles in Southeast Asia.
- In April 2022, GWM collaborated with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to accelerate the construction of charging stations and expand charging facilities, contributing to a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem.
Most Comprehensive Presence:
- In November 2020, along with the acquisition of the Rayong factory, GWM introduced vertical supporting supplier chains such as GWM HYCET(engine, transmission, powertrains), Nobo Automotive(Interior), Precision Auto(Molding and Die-Cast), and Mind Electronics to Thailand.
- In July 2023, GWM introduced the S-VOLT into Thailand, establishing the first automotive battery factory in Southeast Asia, not only supplying power batteries for GWM models but also expanding into the energy storage battery business in the region.
Ecological Global Expansion Strategy:
- Since entering Thailand, GWM has focused on being an locally committed industrial player, establishing the first new energy vehicle production base in September 2020. GWM initiated local adaptation and research for Thai driving conditions and habits, achieving a 50% localization rate for the first model released.
- GWM's strategy involves a dual-line industry chain, with the introduction of Southeast Asia's first automotive battery factory, supporting the growth of Thailand's automotive industry.
- GWM actively participates in new energy industry policies, being one of the first brands to respond to Thailand's government subsidies, collaborating with government departments to construct and integrate Thailand's electric vehicle charging network.
Corporate Social Responsibility:
- From the launch of the GWM brand in Thailand, the company has been committed to the principle of "With the locals, for the locals," providing high-quality new energy products for local consumers and contributing to Thailand's sustainable development.
- GWM has consistently emphasized corporate social responsibility, initiating the "3-Year, 9-Model Plan" in February 2021, contributing to the sustainable development of Thailand's society.
- GWM has actively supported education in Thailand, cooperating with the Department of Digital Economy Development and the Ministry of Education to provide learning and practical opportunities for automotive engineering students in higher education institutions.
- Various philanthropic activities, such as donations of HAVAL H6 HEV vehicles, support during the pandemic, and assistance to local communities, showcase GWM's commitment to both brand reputation and corporate citizenship.
GWM ORA 03 Product Info:
GWM Ora 03 in Thailand:
- Since its launch on October 29, 2021, the GWM Ora 03 has delivered over 10,000 units in Thailand. In 2022, with only one model, it claimed a third of the Thai pure electric market. In 2023, despite the influx of new electric models, the GWM Ora 03 maintained a top-four position in the Thai market, holding approximately 10% of the pure electric market share.
In conclusion, the production of the GWM Ora 03 in Thailand not only marks a significant achievement for GWM but also solidifies the company's commitment to the Thai market, environmental sustainability, and the development of the new energy automotive industry in the region. With a focus on ecological global expansion and corporate social responsibility, GWM continues to play a key role in driving Thailand's automotive sector toward a greener and more sustainable future.
The event was attended by key figures from the Chinese Embassy, the Thai Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Energy, Customs Department, Excise Department, and more than 170 major media outlets, witnessing this historic moment with a gathering of 300 attendees.
About GWM Group
GWM Group is a global automotive OEM and aims to provide smarter mobility choice for all. In order to achieve this target, GWM is building a GWM Forest Ecosystem that supports the full chain for new energy industry.
GWM is known for its company motto "improving little by little everyday", and this company is a long-term at its core, and flexible at the implementation level. Since its export in 1997, GWM has had more than 700 overseas sales channels covering more than 170 countries and regions around the world, with a total sales of more than one million vehicles.
GWM FOREST ECOSYSTEM INTRO
GWM Group is a global automotive OEM and aims to provide smarter mobility choice for all. In order to achieve this target, GWM is building a GWM Forest Ecosystem that supports the full chain for new energy industry.
GWM is known for its company motto "improving little by little everyday", and this company is a long-term at its core, and flexible at the implementation level. Since its export in 1997, GWM has had more than 700 overseas sales channels covering more than 170 countries and regions around the world, with a total sales of more than one million vehicles.
The reason why GWM could be able to do that is, during the past 33 years of industry expertise, a strong over 70% integration of all key supply chain has been setup, particularly in the last 10 years, revolving New Energy and Smart Tech, a number of resources have been deployed.
There are 3 layers to make the GWM Forest Ecosystem works as an organic whole.
Bottom: Resource Layer (Supply chain and technology start-ups)
Middle: Tool Layer (Tech Platforms able to incubate brand models lineups)
Surface: Application Layer (Category series and models)
Bottom resource layer generate and empower the Tool Layer, and Tool Layer incubate the application layer. Everything works as if a forest ecosystem, hence the nomenclature.
GWM Ecological Globalization: Built by the world, for the world
With the GWM Forest Ecosystem in mind, the company has hired over 70,000 employees across the globe and 15,000 engineers from 7 countries and 11 locations (Japan, the United States, Germany, India, Austria and South Korea).
GWM has created a 13 full-process production bases, 9 R&D centers. GWM has been exported to more than 170 countries and regions, established wholly-owned subsidiaries in Europe, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia .etc, with a sales network of over 700 dealerships.
Under GWM, there are also 5 tech suppliers that are providing world leading automotive solutions. SVOLT for NEV and battery tech, HYCET for engines and powertrain, FTXT for hydrogen energy and fuel cells, MIND Electronics for lightings and electronic parts, and NOBO Autos for seats, bumpers and tires.
GWM Breaks 1 Million Annual Global Sales for 8 consecutive years
GWM sold 1.23 million units globally in 2023, and with 261,546 new energy vehicles sold and 314,000 units sold out of China., year-on-year(YOY)increase of 98.33%. The cumulative global sales of the GWM have reached 12 million units.
In FY 2022, the total operating revenue of GWM was 137.34 billion CNY; The annual sales volume was 1.06 million vehicles, and the penetration rate of intelligent vehicles reached 86.17%. The proportion of sales volume of vehicles above 200,000 CNY increased to
15.27%.
In FY2023 YTD, GWM have 30% YoY growth to 120,000 units, and New Energy sale 111% YoY growth to 22,000, overseas sales 60% YoY growth to breakthrough the 30,000 units/month, what's noteworthy is overseas sales mix keeps rising for the last 3 quarters from 23% to 26%, and also have triple jumped from 11% in 2021, and 16% in 2022, and estimated to be 30% in 2023.
ONE GWM Strategy
The GWM Group, currently has 5 distinctive badges in China, representing 5 different categories HAVAL for SUV , POER for pickup truck, ORA for full-electric urban cars, TANK for hard 4x4s, and WEY for sophisticated premium SUVs. Whereas different in other markets out of China.
"The philosophy for GWM to have been consistently "focus". When there are limited resources, put it into one category to make it successful, and then use the surplus to explore the new category brand. That's why GWM have now developed 5 unique category badges in the world's largest automotive markets in the past 10 years."
Mr. Parker, head of GWM International mentioned.
"However, when going to global markets, GWM find it most of the markets outside of China is limited in market size to achieve the economy of scale if spread the resources too thin. So we are putting all the category models under one GWM banner to offer the best product and experience to our consumers." He added.
GWM latest Gen Tech Platform
As early as 2015, GWM had begun planning for two major next gen modular platforms. In the past 5 years, GWM have integrated the Group's top resources and talents from across the globe, with a total investment of over RMB ?20 billion(USD 2.9 bn), and finally officially unveiled today. The latest global modular platform will provide consumers with products that meet global high standards in a more efficient manner; for consumers, bringing perception improvements in space, safety, quality, reliability, power and economy.
Both platforms are built based on a global architecture and standards and adopt intelligent modular design and have extremely high "scalability". They are a global platform built with global user needs as the core and global user preferences and global market application scenarios as the origin.
With Baoding as the headquarters, GWM have successively set up overseas R&D centers in Shanghai, Japan, the United States, Germany, India, Austria and South Korea, forming a global R&D deployment covering Europe, Asia, and North America with R&D team of 15,000 employees.
The platform have been invested with billions of dollars to build a world-class comprehensive laboratory and test site based on global regulations, climate, road conditions, and technology trends, covering thermal management, emissions, power, fuel consumption, electromagnetic compatibility, durability, NVH, and stability. 11 types of stringent global tests and verification capabilities including ride comfort, braking, anti-rust management and general layout-ergonomic dimensions provide a strong guarantee for product development and verification.
To meet different needs across global users, the platforms were tested in 18 typical environments around the world, such as the driving stability test of unrestricted high speed in Germany; the towing capacity test in Australia; the vehicle loading test in India, etc., to ensure that we can provide more users worldwide. The ultimate product experience in line with his preferences. In addition, it also includes global road and extreme environmental tests on 76 types of roads, such as Belgian roads, washboard roads, fish-scale pit roads, standard ramps, high-speed loops, Indian dirt roads, Russian frozen soil roads, Chilean Nevado mountain roads, and Russian cold weather and extreme heat in the Middle East, Kunlun Mountain Plateau, severe high-corrosion environment, etc., the two platform products have challenged one by one, completing road tests with a total mileage of over 6 million kilometers.
3. LEMON global high-intelligence modular platform
LEMON has 5 distinctive features which are Lightweight, Electrification, Multi-purpose, Omni-protection and Network.
Lightweight: The LEMON platform enables lighter and more agile body structure being built. The Euler Angles (Pitch, Yaw, Roll) reduced by 50%, counter steering force reduced by 16%, steering precision improvement by 16%, horizontal roll rigidity improvement by 15% and centroid height lower by 30 mm.
Electrification: The LEMON platform enables not just ICE powertrain but also multiple electric powertrain development, hybrid (Dual Hybrid Transmission, P2, P2+P4), BEV, and FCEV. The ICE powertrain by 2022 will be able to achieve 41% thermal efficiency and hybrid thermal efficiency 42%. By 2025, the highest thermal efficiency of the powertrain will achieve 51.5% (possibly the FCEV), whose 2nd gen hydro gen system will also enables 1,100 km range and 4.56s 0-100km/h acceleration performance.
Multi-purpose: The LEMON platform enables 5 different sizes segment (A0, A, B, C, D) and 3 categories (SUV, Sedan, MPV) development to fulfill global consumer needs.
Omni-protection: The LEMON platform also offers a user-orientated protection system, evolving from its GWM's original 3DP concept "passenger, pedestrian, parts" that enables an all-around dimension protection.
Network: The vehicles developed under LEMON platform are not just isolated units, but can offer rich connectivity using 5G, V2X technology, to form a network of units to provide convenient and user-friendly mobility for all.
GWM Chief Technical Officer quote
"To name an automotive platform LEMON is definitely untraditional and bold move with negative connotations in English, but it is the exact flavor GWM have tasted during the past 30 years of globalization, it might taste bitter and sour at the beginning just like no-one believes China could even make cars 30 years ago, but now Chinese market is the largest and most competitive automotive market in the world with the largest production capacity in the world, and Chinese OEMs are making world-class quality cars. GWM is confident that it will rise. There is a saying in English as well, if life gives you a lemon, make lemonade. GWM upholds the corporate spirit of "improving little by little", starting from scratch, GWM will be able to take all the bitterness and sour comments and critics and use the efforts to make a refreshing and pleasing lemonade."
LEMON platform is a global high-intelligence and modular platform for the next 10 years, covering 438 basic modules and 113 standard modules. The length of the "LEMON" platform covers vehicle length of 4200~5100mm, and the vehicle width covers 1830~1975mm, which can support the development of different types of models from A0 to D class segments, SUVs, cars, and MPVs.
In terms of power, the LEMON platform provides the world's leading high-efficiency ICE power, hybrid power, BEV pure electricity, future-oriented hydrogen energy, and FCEV four high-performance power solutions. The LEMON engine family covers two displacements of 1.5L turbo and 2.0L turbo, including four conventional high-efficiency engines and three hybrid engines.
In terms of thermal efficiency representing the core technology of the engine, GWM have reached the industry-leading level through the use of friction work optimization, high tumble ratio, high compression ratio, large range to diameter ratio, 980 degree VGT supercharger, deep Miller cycle, independent EGR. In 2022, the thermal efficiency of conventional engines can reach 41%, and the thermal efficiency of hybrid engines can reach 42%; through the technology adoption of λ>2.5 lean combustion, insulation materials, super tumble ratio, super high energy ignition, super high injection pressure , variable compression ratio, water injection and other technical upgrades, it is estimated that by 2025, the high-efficiency engine thermal efficiency will reach 51.5%.
In terms of emissions, our engines can meet the China National VI-b, Euro VI-d, and SULEV20 emission standards, and also have the potential to meet the upgrade of emission regulations in the next 5 years.
In addition to being equipped with the 7DCT, which has been ranked among the top 10 transmissions in the world, the LEMON platform is also equipped with the world's first publicly released 9-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The 9DCT independently developed by GWM is divided into two versions: conventional and P2, with a torque capacity of 400Nm. The torque density is among the best in class, and a high transmission efficiency of 96.2% is achieved, which further improves the fuel economy of the vehicle.
Faced with different consumer needs in pursuit of urban road economy and high-speed power response, GWM have respectively created hybrid DHT and P2 and P2+P4 multi-form hybrid architectures in the hybrid power field.
The hybrid DHT architecture is the world's first two-gear petrol-electric hybrid power system. It can intelligently switch between series drive, parallel drive, first-gear ICE direct drive, second-gear ICE direct drive and other drive modes according to the driving conditions. The energy efficiency in each scenario is within optimal efficiency zone. Urban working conditions adopt series hybrid mode, fuel consumption can be improved by 48~50% compared with conventional models. By matching different battery packs, two hybrid modes of HEV\PHEV and multiple PHEV range versions can be realized. To meet the diversified needs of different vehicle levels and different vehicle scenarios. Among them, the maximum EV cruising range of the D-class SUV can reach 200Km, far above the industry level.
The P2+P4 power system has ample power and industry-leading range. Taking the C-class SUV as an example, it only needs 4.3s to accelerate from 100 kilometers, and the maximum speed can reach 245km/h. It is matched with two battery packs and can respectively achieve 95Km and 184Km maximum EV cruising range. Through the intelligent four-wheel drive mode, a climbing ability greater than 65% can be achieved. At the same time, the intelligent four-wheel drive system can monitor the driving status of the vehicle in real time. When faced with complex road conditions, when the vehicle has understeer or oversteer, the real-time dynamic distribution of driving force can be used to adjust the inherent steering characteristics of the vehicle to ensure the tracking of the vehicle, thereby improving the steering stability of the vehicle under complex road conditions.
Our pure electric power system covers two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive power forms, and a variety of battery life versions can be flexibly matched. The power battery has various forms such as ternary lithium battery, lithium iron phosphate blade battery, and cobalt-free battery, which can meet the power requirements of different models and scenarios. Taking the A-class SUV as an example, its cruising range can reach 700km, and the four-wheel drive version can accelerate up to 4.4s per 100 kilometers, far above the performance of similar products.
At the same time, all power batteries have passed the most stringent safety experimental tests, covering all battery usage conditions.
Not only that, the LEMON platform also has a forward-looking layout of FCEV power. The first generation of FCEV will be launched in 2021. It can achieve a range of more than 900 kilometers and an acceleration of less than 9 seconds per 100 kilometers. The secondgeneration FCEV will be launched in 2023. Compared with the first generation, the fuel cell stack power is increased by 67%, and the power battery power is increased by 5 times. It is matched with a D-class SUV and can achieve the world's longest in the same category over 1100 kilometers. The driving range is only 4.56 seconds to accelerate from 100 kilometers.
In terms of safety, GWM builds a safety development system with the concept of "omniprotection safety", and develops safety performance from the three dimensions of "occupant safety", "pedestrian safety", and "vehicle safety". All tests and design are based on NCAP five-star and North American IIHS 'Good' rating. A series of comprehensive tests of 124 working conditions cover European and American regulations, NCAP and new energy related projects, and more than 8,000 virtual simulation iterations have been performed at the same time; in addition to standard regulations and NCAP working conditions, non-standard working conditions are also carried out around high-frequency scenarios of actual collisions. It is one of the few companies in the industry that can meet the world's most stringent collision requirements and improve user driving safety in all directions in response to the "comprehensive safety" design concept.
In terms of weight reduction, based on the development concept of "appropriate materials used in the right place", through the use of more than 70% of high-strength steel, "onepiece" hot stamping forming door knockers, and the application of unequal-thickness steel plate (TRB) technology. From design, material, structure, and process to ensure lightweight performance build. At present, Great Wall Motor's body lightweight has reached the industry's leading level.
As a high-performance, high-safety, high-flexibility and lightweight platform, the "LEMON" that focuses on the future is a solid support for Great Wall Motors to cope with the rapid changes in competition in the future, and leads the industry to the future, bringing endless imagination to global consumers .
4 COFFEE OS Intelligent Connectivity System
The "COFFEE OS" is an intelligent system for future mobility, covering intelligent cab, intelligent driving, and intelligent electronic/electrical architecture. The first "COFFEE OS"powered model will be a flagship WEY-branded model and quickly apply to other models in foreseeable future.
In today's world, COFFEE OS represents a leisurely and elegant state of life. "Infusing life with technology" is the value proposition of COFFEE OS. Combined with the application of new intelligent technology, it deeply focuses on the minds of users to create a more intelligent and comfortable car experience and provide better products and mobility services to users.
The "COFFEE OS" has first proposed the "dual intelligence integration" R&D idea, namely an integration of intelligence driving and intelligence cab in view of the user experience, and has put forward three core variables (interaction + AI + ecology) for intelligence.
GWM insists on independent research and development in the intelligence driving field to optimize the travel experience. The L3 automatic drive based on the COFFEE OS system can be expanded and will be updated continuously from the next year, and it will be advanced to L4 and even a higher level. As to the intelligence cab, it focuses on the diversified mobile space, "integrated terminal equipment and cloud" calculation platform and cross-system open structure. Centered on people, car, road and environment, the "COFFEE OS" may sense 720° environment, 360° interior environment plus 360° exterior environment, and integrate an individual car into the urban intelligence transportation with the "integrated terminal equipment and cloud" ultra-remote sensing technology. In addition, the COFFEE OS system embraces the GWM 3.5-G and 4.0-G new electronic and electrical structures, making the GbE (gigabit Ethernet), 5G and V2X available. GWM took the lead in the implementation of vehicle functional safety and information security analysis process and became the first automobile enterprise obtained the information security certification of
CATARC.
With the rapid development of Big Data, Cloud Computing, 5G, AI and other emerging technologies and the deep integration of traditional industries, an industrial transformation brought by digital and intelligent transformation is breeding. As a "controller" in the transformation, GWM has proposed to transform from a domestic automobile enterprise to a global mobility technology company on its 30th anniversary. It will thoroughly remold itself and make a thorough self-revolution.
5. Hydrogen Tech Pioneer
GWM is the 1st Chinese automobile enterprise member of Hydrogen Council. Meanwhile, Audi, BMW, Daimler, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and other well-known multinational auto corporations are members of Hydrogen Council.
In 2018, China's first hydrogen technology center has been established by GWM and been put into use. It has the capacities for the testing and trial-manufacturing of all FCEV core components and the vehicle integration and testing. In 2025, GWM will set up China's first liquid hydrogen station equipped with the cryogenic compression technology, completing a series of R & D activities, such as assembling, hydrogenation and testing of FCEV, in the same area of GWM.
GWM plans to display its first FCEV prototype vehicle based on the proprietary design platform in 2020 and push out its first FCEV fleet in the Winter Olympics. Based on its strong technical reserves, GWM also plans to push out the fuel passenger vehicle of high power, cost competitiveness and high energy efficiency in 2025.
FTXT under GWM Group(FTXT Energy Technology Co., Ltd.) releases its core products including 95 kW passenger-car fuel cell system engines, platform-based fuel cell stacks that can be expanded up to 150 kW, and 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder valves and pressure reducing valves.
The research and development of FTXT's three major products have lasted for 5 years, with an R&D investment of RMB 1.57 billion. A total of 363 key technology patents have been applied and granted.
GWM's first fuel cell SUV will be mass-produced in 2021.
6. SVOLT the EV Battery Expert
SVOLT Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("SVOLT"), a leading EV battery manufacturer carved out of Great Wall Motor ("GWM"), unveiled its evolutionary new EV battery products for European OEMs at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA)2019 in Germany. During the show, the independent manufacturer displayed its NCM 811 battery series, a reliable and cost-effective solution for electric vehicles (EV) based on stacking technology.
SVOLT's breakthrough NCM 811 series harnesses high-speed stacking technology in its EV battery cells to deliver a significant improvement to EV performance. As one of the few battery manufacturers to use stacking technology, SVOLT's revolutionary process offers the European OEMs batteries with up to 5% more energy density and up to 10% increase in life cycle while reducing production costs.
One of SVOLT's key achievements in this area was the removal of the rare element, cobalt, from the production of lithium-ion batteries, which allowed for reduced production costs of 5%-15% and a drop in cell BOM cost by 5%.
SVOLT unveiled cobalt-free lithium-ion battery cells (NMx) and four-element lithium-ion battery cells (NCMA). In view of the two major challenges the electric-vehicle battery (EVB) industry faces, safety and cost, SVOLT has provided two novel product solutions, steering the industry in the new direction
About SVOLT
SVOLT, (formerly the Battery Business Unit of Great Wall Motor), began operating as an independent company in 2018. Headquartered in Wuxi, Jiangsu, SVOLT is a high-tech new energy company spearheading innovation in the R&D and manufacturing of EVB materials, cells, modules, PACK, BMS, energy storage and solar energy.
SVOLT plans for 7 R&D centers around the globe, with four currently in operation, in Baoding, Korea, Shanghai and India, and three are under construction in the US, Japan and Wuxi. Domestically, SVOLT's factory is under construction in Changzhou, Jiangsu, which will be operational by the end of 2019 with SOP in February 2020, and will have a capacity of 12GWh in 2020.
Roadmap: SVOLT is pioneering the introduction of prismatic stacking batteries, making it the world's first high-speed stacking prismatic battery maker. The high-speed stacking process is the new generation of battery technology that breaks the bottleneck of winding processes of batteries. SVOLT aims to finish stacking one cell in 0.25 seconds in one single station. In contrast to the same type of winding process, the energy density of SVOLT stacking batteries improves 5%, the cycle life improves 10% while reducing the costs.