GWM Overseas Sales Hit Record as China Slips

Owners and buyers of GWM and Ora vehicles will see more European options as the company expands production abroad.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Car Types

Isometric editorial illustration of stacked shipping containers, a loading crane, and a car-carrier hull at a dock, in muted oxblood, teal, and mustard. — Great Wall Motor sold 120,374 vehicles in October, down 15.87% from a year earlier, while record overseas sales of 62,862 units offset a 33% domestic drop. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Great Wall Motor (GWM) sold 120,374 vehicles in October 2026, down 15.87% from a year earlier, marking its third straight monthly year-on-year sales decline. Overseas sales reached a record 62,862 vehicles, and the company announced plans for a production base in Lovech, Bulgaria.

Why it matters

For households weighing a new vehicle, GWM's shrinking home-market volume and growing overseas footprint may affect which models are available and how quickly new European variants reach dealers. The Bulgaria plant and planned European launches could eventually broaden the choice of electric and hybrid options outside China.

GWM sold 49,499 new energy vehicles in October 2026, a company record, and Ora sold 12,187 vehicles, up 115.78% year-on-year. The Lovech plant is planned with annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles.

The players

Great Wall Motor (GWM)

A Chinese automaker known for its SUVs and pickups and its Ora and Haval brands, with a growing overseas presence.

Ora

GWM's electric-focused brand whose October 2026 sales rose 115.78% year-on-year.

The details

GWM's October sales were split between a 57,512-vehicle China total, down 33.06%, and a 62,862-vehicle overseas total that offset part of the domestic drop. Overseas growth slowed to 9.98% year-on-year from 19.40% in September, while the domestic market remained the main drag on results. The company's Bulgaria plan centers on a Lovech production base expected to produce its first Ora 5 in the first quarter of 2027.

October 2026: GWM's monthly sales fell 15.87% year-on-year.
October 28, 2026: GWM announced plans for the Lovech, Bulgaria production base.
Q1 2027: First Ora 5 expected from the Bulgaria production line.

The Home Front

GWM's October results reflect a broader shift in which Chinese automakers lean on overseas markets as domestic volume softens. The planned Bulgaria plant would place GWM production inside the European Union, a move that could shape how its vehicles are priced and serviced for European buyers.

If you are considering a GWM or Ora vehicle, check current dealer availability and warranty terms in your country, since the European rollout is still expanding. Compare electric and hybrid options against your charging access and annual driving distance before committing to a purchase.

The takeaway

Chinese automakers are moving volume outside their home market, and GWM's Bulgaria plan could bring European-built options within reach over the next few years. Track dealer listings and warranty coverage in your region before deciding, since product availability will change as new models arrive.