The head of GWM says it still wants to enter the US EV market. Finally.

Parker Shi, Vice President of the GWM group and President of GWM International, considers US President Donald Trump to be the most successful man in the world by certain metrics. But at the same time, Trump remains a significant obstacle to the Chinese automaker’s quest to gain access to the world market.

“[People are] They want power, they want money, and they want fame. On the right? Donald Trump is him,” Shi told his audience during GWM’s Global Tech Day in Australia earlier this month.” But what business does it want? Brand, volume, profit. Volume can be replaced by market share. “

GWM’s technology day was part of its international efforts, bringing some of its top executives to Melbourne to discuss the company’s plans for global growth. Although China is the largest auto market in the world, GWM is one of many manufacturers whose goals extend far beyond their country’s borders. The company has been in the Australian market since 2009, when it became the first Chinese automaker to sell its cars in the country.

However, while GWM aims to be a significant player in the world of EV Global EV, the US market for electric vehicles continues to present a brilliant challenge to these Chinese conditions.

When will GWM cars hit the US market?

Speaking to mashable, Shi confirmed that GWM has been looking to enter the US market in 2021, we have done research, planned products, and put in place infrastructure and personnel. Unfortunately, political constraints and tax rates have put such plans on hold forever.

“We have prepared the USA market for many years,” said Shi. “We have a building there, we have an R&D team there. But because of the political problems, obviously, it is not the right time to do anything. It is because of the political problems that it is difficult to invest. [in a] which produces a plant there. “

Specifically, Shi noted the high customs duties and tariffs the US currently imposes on EVs in China. Such vehicles used to face a standard tariff of 2.5 percent until Trump’s 2018 inauguration, when he introduced an additional 25 percent tariff on Chinese goods. President Joe Babiden increased the premium by 100 percent through 2024.

US prices for Chinese EVS have fluctuated under the current Trump administration, in one area skyrocketing to 247.5 percent. Understandably, such factors mean that the costs of investing in the US currently outweigh the benefits.

“[If] you want to go there [to the U.S.]you should invest your money to build factories or find factories, “said Shi.” We have a Product suitable for the USA market. But the problem is investment in manufacturing has become difficult. It is a barrier. Direct investment is required in the USA market. “

GWM still has US ambitions, and Shi Statitions that the company is reluctant to pass up the opportunity to tap into such a large market. However, entry into the US is impossible while the American authorities remain hostile to Chinese car manufacturers. When raising China’s tariffs last year, Biden said the Chinese government’s subsidy programs allowed Chinese companies to “get away” by selling cars at “unreasonably low prices,” leaving US manufacturers unable to compete.

“We have some business in Mexico… China is Mexico’s leading auto supplier. “They should stop Chinese investment in Mexico. Maybe they think we use Mexico as a base to export to the USA. It’s a little complicated.”

GWM’s non-US jurisdiction markets

Credit: Courtesy of GWM

Meanwhile, GWM has turned to other countries such as Australia. The company stayed in Lictoria Lang Lang proves the reasons at the beginning of this year to be tested and reveal its cars for Australian conditions, adapting the way to different needs of certain countries. Shi emphasized that GWM aims to work and understand people in various regions, noting that only 10 GWM employees in Australia are from China.

“It’s local, it’s local. And Thai, and Thai. And Australian, from Australia,” said Shi. “This is a kind of philosophy [which guides us]…. You have to make more space for yourself. Not only brand. The product, the service, the performance…. Everything must be in place. “

Such considerations seem to be part of the reason why GWM not only produces EVS, but also offers gasoline and hybrid vehicles such as its Tank 300 and Cannon Alpha. A lack of infrastructure and charging facilities has limited EV adoption in certain markets, with the level of government subsidies and services varying between different areas.

As it is, Shi acknowledged that there is still a need for gasoline-powered vehicles, especially in countries that may not have the budget allocated for a relaunch of EV facilities. GWM hopes to meet international customers where they are in time.

“We believe that new energy vehicles can be the future,” said Shi. “It’s true, in the Chinese market, it’s definitely because the government gives a lot of support, incentives, tax reductions, so the entry of EV I think is very caught because the government subsidy or government support is very limited.”

“Other markets we understand, petrol, diesel, especially commercial vehicles… [continue to remain] for a long time because the charging stations, need time [to be built]. And the budget from the government to promote electronic vehicles, to promote plug-in hybrid vehicles, [is] still very little ….

“We are trying to follow [future] Yes, “Shi continued.” An EV can be very good for the environment, it can be very convenient. But we believe that different countries may have different usage conditions. “

Shi gave the example of Australians driving between Melbourne and Sydney, two cities approximately 544 MI (876 km) apart. In such a situation, drivers can worry about making the next charger. In addition, Shi speculated which available chargers might improve and take significant charging time. As such, he suggested that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles would be more suitable for country driving, noting that GWM’s small ora eV is designed for city use.

“That’s why we don’t invest to invest [in] Big models, big EV cars, “Shi continued.” Some other Chinese players, they have a five-big SUV …. We don’t do that. We have the capabilities to do that, but we don’t think that will be the future. Especially [as] We are dealing with a global market. Different situations, different needs. “

Working to protect data, trust, and market share

Credit: Courtesy of GWM

For GWM, expanding outside of China is a “must.” However, foreign governments have raised accusations against Chinese tech companies in recent years, accusing them of giving the Chinese government access to customer data. Although there is no public evidence that this happens, it is possible that there is a scholarly rule. As a result, Chinese companies that aspire to be global must allocate significant resources to strengthening governments and combating such lifestyles.

“When you try to be a global player in different countries, we have to follow the laws and regulations of the countries,” said Shi. “This is the bottom line. This is number one.”

As part of this, Shi Sta said that GWM stores customer data on servers within their country. For example, Australian drivers’ information is stored on Australian servers.

“We have classified customer information, because customer data is very sensitive,” Shi said. “This is the law…. We have to follow the law again [ensure GWM is in] Compatibility. This is the bottom line. You don’t cut the bottom line. You cross the bottom line, you will burn your hand…. We don’t want to, [in the] for a short time, do something simple [and end up with a] More leaks, leaks, leaks more customer data. No, no, no. This is not allowed. “

GWM has been in Australia for almost two decades now. As of July, GWM was the Seventh best-selling car in the country this year, and the sales volume is the highest selling Chinese Auto Brand. The company continues to expand its fotaoline area, announcing during the technology day that its new pugs pug-in hybrid will cost Austbrians $ au79,990 driveaway – about $ US52,000.

Unfortunately, it will be a long time before US drivers can test GWM’s cars for themselves.

“I think we are strong [to enter the US market]. We have the product, we have the technology, we have experience in global operations, “said Shi planning.” We plan, we watch. We look at how the policies of the USA [are] Change …. We have a team there, but with the change in management, everything has been changed. Sorry about that! “