On February 6, Great Wall Motor (GWM) exhibited a number of its models during the New Delhi Auto Show in India, and also announced its official entry into India. At the same time, GWM will establish a full-service ecological chain covering research, production, and marketing. It is reported that on February 17, GWM and GM jointly announced that GWM would acquire GM’s manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand.

It is reported that, according to the terms signed by the two parties, GM will hand over Rayong plant, powertrain plant and GM Thailand to GWM. The two parties plan to complete the final transaction and transfer by the end of 2020. However, this agreement currently requires approval from local government and regulators before proceeding.

The Rayong plant currently produces two models, Chevrolet Colorado and Chevrolet Trailblazer. The entire vehicle assembly plant is located in the Rayong Free Trade Zone, covering an area of 818,100 square meters, with a maximum annual production capacity of 135,000 vehicles and 1,544 employees.

The acquisition agreement also includes the General Motors Thailand plant, which is also located in the Rayong Free Trade Zone. It covers an area of 22,000 square meters, with a maximum annual production capacity of 125,000 units and 394 employees.

After approval by local governments and regulators, GM will gradually transfer to GWM. According to relevant sources: "GWM will later turn this plant into a smart factory." In addition, the plant currently mainly produces pickups and SUV models. After the formal transfer, GWM only needs to upgrade and transform the production line, and it is expected to quickly put its models into production.

In addition, according to official data provided by GWM, since it was put into operation in 2000, the Rayong plant in Thailand has produced nearly 1.4 million vehicles as a regional manufacturing center, and its products are targeted at Thailand's domestic and export markets. After the completion of the acquisition, GWM will create more direct or indirect jobs for the local, further improve the local employees' labor skills, stimulate local supporting, research and development and related industry development, and contribute more taxes to the Thai government and Rayong Province.