Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor plans to begin building its compact Ora 5 crossover in Bulgaria in the first quarter of 2027, establishing its first manufacturing base in Europe as it seeks to strengthen its position in a highly competitive market.
Production is expected at a plant near Lovech, in Bahovitsa, with annual capacity of about 50,000 vehicles. Reuters reported that the company signed a manufacturing agreement with a local partner. The deal’s financial terms have not been disclosed, and the company has not said which powertrain versions will be assembled at the site.
Local Bulgarian business reporting had pointed to a January restart of production at the facility. The new plan is part of GWM’s broader effort to build a more durable presence in Europe, rather than relying entirely on imports from China.
Local assembly could help the group limit exposure to EU tariffs on China-built electric vehicles. GWM has previously outlined a goal of producing 300,000 vehicles annually in Europe by 2029 and said it plans at least ten new or derivative models over the next two years.
That ambition comes from a low base: the company’s European sales fell almost 30% in 2025 to about 3,500 vehicles, while competitors such as BYD and Chery expanded more quickly. The Bulgarian project will test whether local production can help turn the company’s European comeback into sustained sales growth.
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