GWM President Invites Lula to Inaugurate Factory in Brazil, a BRL 10 Billion Investment

On the afternoon of Tuesday, November 26, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received the president of GWM International, Parker Shi, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia. The meeting was also attended by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Minister of Labor and Employment Luiz Marinho. The primary topic of discussion was the Chinese company’s upcoming inauguration and the commencement of production in Brazil. The facility under construction in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, is expected to begin operating in 2025. The BRL 10 billion investment will initially create more than 700 direct jobs at the factory, in addition to introducing new technologies to Brazil. Parker Shi invited President Lula to inaugurate the factory.

Shi, who is visiting Brazil for the first time, reaffirmed the company’s interest in expanding its share of the Brazilian automotive market, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles (electric and combustion, including ethanol). Shi highlighted the significant technological contributions planned and the company’s intention to establish a research and development center in Brazil.

President Lula was informed that initial production at the Iracemápolis plant is projected to range from 30,000 to 45,000 cars per year, with plans for substantial expansion. Shi also shared the company’s interest in using Brazilian production to supply other Latin American markets within three years. He emphasized the excellence of Brazilian workers and the country’s automotive industry infrastructure, as well as the stability of the business environment, as key factors in the decision to invest in Brazil.

President Lula noted that there had not been significant investments by the automotive industry in Brazil for nearly 20 years. However, since the start of his administration, investments have already reached approximately USD 130 billion. Vice President Alckmin also highlighted the Brazilian government’s Mover program, which focuses on innovation and decarbonization and aligns with the company’s investments in Brazil.

Parker Shi congratulated President Lula on the success of Brazil’s G20 presidency and the leaders' summit, as well as on the visit of China’s President Xi Jinping the previous week.