Great Wall's sales increase 28% in 2012

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai January 10) - Great Wall sold a total of 624,602 vehicles last year, Gasgoo.com (Chinese) reported today, citing the manufacturer's recently released annual performance review. The figure, which is 28 percent higher than the amount sold in 2011, means that the manufacturer has met its target of 600,000 vehicle sales for theyear. The Hebei-based manufacturer's sales in December totaled 68,000 vehicles, equivalent to year-on-year growth of 29 percent.

2012 saw most automobile manufacturers' sales increase only slightly. As such, Great Wall's performance was especially strong. 2012 sales of its three subsidiary brands, Haval, Wingle and Voleex, grew 71 percent, 12.7 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively. The manufacturer's exports also increased 16.1 percent to a total of 96,465 units.

Great Wall aims to sell 700,000 vehicles this year. Commenting on the sales target, Shang Yugui, head of the manufacturer's media relations, remarked that "the present automobile market is fiercely competitive and requires both self-awareness and sharp understanding of surrounding circumstances." He also emphasized that the manufacturer will not rely on pricing schemes to achieve the sales target, but instead focus on improving vehicle quality and brand image.

Great Wall Motors Vice President Dong Ming has previously announced that, in response to strong sales it has made, the manufacturer will begin marketing the Haval SUV brand more independently. According to Mr. Dong, Great Wall should announce the new brand at this year's Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition. The Haval brand will make use of both Great Wall's existing dealership network and a brand new independent one in order to sell its vehicles. The manufacturer also has plans to further diversify its Wingle and Voleex brands.