Gasgoo Munich- Late on April 2, Great Wall Motor Motor announced a visit by Dr. Joachim Post. The BMW Group board member for development led a delegation on March 31. Great Wall Motor Chairman Wei Jianjun and CSCO Zhao Guoqing attended the reception.
The two sides toured Great Wall Motor's Xushui manufacturing base. They then visited the Xushui proving ground. There, they test-drove models including the WEY V9X, Tank 700, Tank 500, Gao Shan 9, and Ora 5.
Great Wall Motor engineers briefed visitors on powertrain performance and chassis tuning. Routes included the dynamic plaza, test mountain, and rough roads. They also discussed four-wheel-drive systems and terrain adaptability. Later, the parties met at the technology center. They discussed Spotlight Automotive and technical issues. Dr. Post and Wei Jianjun also held talks. They exchanged views on China's market trajectory and future cooperation.
Interestingly, Great Wall Motor Motor subsequently deleted the source information. This added speculation to the low-key session on technology and cooperation.
What Did They Discuss?
Based on disclosed information, BMW's itinerary was full. The content was highly specific.
The first agenda item was a tour of the Xushui manufacturing base. This key facility covers stamping, welding, painting, and assembly. The BMW team observed production workflows and technology. Visiting a joint venture partner is standard for BMW. However, a systematic inspection led by a development board member is rare.
Image Source: Great Wall Motor Motor
The second item involved test drives. At the proving ground, BMW experienced flagship models from WEY, Tank, and Ora. Scenarios included dynamic plazas and rough roads. They evaluated off-road capabilities and drivetrains. Engineers from both sides engaged in detailed exchanges due to the session's technical depth.
The third item was a technical symposium. The parties focused on Spotlight Automotive's status at the technology center. They also discussed specific technical topics. Later, Dr. Post and Wei Jianjun held talks. They covered Chinese market development and cooperation directions.
BMW's visit was not a courtesy call. It was a working visit with clear intent. The goal was to conduct technical assessments and advance projects.
Spotlight Automotive Takes Center Stage
Spotlight Automotive was explicitly identified as a key topic. As the core vehicle for their partnership, the joint venture was the focus.
Established in 2018, Spotlight Automotive is a 50-50 joint venture. It pairs BMW Group with Great Wall Motor Motor. This is BMW's first global joint venture purely for electric vehicles. It marks a crucial step for Great Wall Motor's international expansion. Expectations were high for the major partnership. BMW contributed brand and technical standards. Great Wall Motor brought manufacturing prowess and cost-control expertise.
However, Spotlight's progress was relatively sluggish. Compared to the smart brand from Geely and Mercedes-Benz, Spotlight lagged. Smart launched the #1 in 2022 and quickly brought it to market. It followed with the #3, steadily expanding its lineup.
Image Source: Spotlight Automotive
Spotlight's first model was the domestically produced all-electric MINI Cooper. It officially entered production in 2024. This delay meant the joint venture lost a first-mover advantage. The segment was premium compact electric vehicles.
Momentum picked up significantly in 2024. The new-generation electric MINI Cooper rolled off the line. It was manufactured by Spotlight Automotive for global markets.
By 2025, the 100,000th all-electric MINI rolled off the line. This happened at Spotlight's Zhangjiagang plant. The milestone was reached in relatively short order. The company attributes success to its positioning. It aims for 'international standards, Chinese manufacturing, serving global customers.' A highly intelligent production system supports this. Currently, the electric MINI is exported to over 90 countries.
Spotlight's electric MINIs target the premium compact EV segment. They place the brand in direct competition with smart. Both brands trace roots to traditional European small cars. They have undergone electrification in China. They also cater to global markets.
The difference lies in their pace. Smart has moved faster on product and market rhythm. Spotlight has gradually built a reputation for quality and efficiency. In 2025, the electric MINI Cooper earned an award. It won the Euro NCAP 'Best in Class' title for city and small cars.
BMW's visit to Great Wall Motor suggests several considerations. First, Spotlight has entered stable mass production. The 100,000-unit milestone has passed. Shareholders must align on the next steps. These include capacity planning and product expansion.
Second, MINI plans to go fully electric by 2030. This implies multiple new electric models are needed. They must be integrated into Spotlight's production system soon.
Third, competition in the global EV market is intensifying. Spotlight is BMW's sole pure-EV joint venture in China. Its strategic position cannot be mismanaged.
From Great Wall Motor's perspective, Spotlight is equally significant. SVOLT confirmed it will supply short blade batteries to Spotlight. This helps Great Wall Motor's components division compete.
BMW's visit to Great Wall Motor was a working mission. It had a clear agenda. The communication highlighted Spotlight's status and future. The joint venture has reached a critical juncture. Shareholder consensus is required to drive implementation forward.
