GWM is making a high-stakes entry into Spain, rolling out the ORA 5 and promising six more models within months. The company is betting on a diverse lineup and local manufacturing to challenge established brands.
GWM is making a hard push into Spain. The company just launched the ORA 5, and it is not stopping there. By early next year, GWM plans to have seven models on Spanish roads. This is more than just a car launch. GWM is setting up local production, building a multi-brand dealer network, and bringing a mix of technologies—gasoline, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and even hydrogen in the future.
Ignacio Olazabal, GWM España’s director general, says the company is moving fast. “This is the first of many in a very short time,” he said. The ORA 5 will soon be joined by the Haval H7, Haval Jolion Max, TANK 300, POER P300 and P500 pickups, and the premium WEY G9 minivan. Each model is aimed at a different type of buyer, from city drivers to off-road fans. GWM’s five sub-brands—ORA, Haval, POER, TANK, and WEY—cover the full range. Spanish business and automotive media confirm GWM’s public plan: all seven models, including ORA 5, Haval H7, Haval Jolion Max, Tank 300, Tank 500, Poer P300, Poer P500, and Wey G9, will be in Spain by the first quarter of 2027.
The ORA 5 is already available in Spain with three powertrain options: gasoline (160 hp), hybrid (223 hp), and electric (204 hp, 58.3 kWh battery, up to 435 km WLTP range).
GWM is not picking one technology. The Spanish lineup will have gasoline, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models. “We want to be present in every scenario, with every technology, to offer solutions for all customers,” Olazabal said. Hydrogen is also in the plans, but not ready for the current lineup. Spanish sources point out that GWM’s multi-energy approach sets it apart. Gasoline, diesel, hybrid, PHEV, and EV versions are coming, while hydrogen is a future option, not an immediate one.
Early sales show the plan is working. More than 500 ORA 5s have already been sold. Hybrids make up 70–75% of sales, gasoline 15%, and electric 10%. Diesel is still part of the mix for pickups and off-roaders, even as its image fades. “There is still demand, and for us, it is almost certain to be a success,” Olazabal said. Independent Spanish automotive outlets report the ORA 5 starts at about €22,350–23,950, depending on the version and financing or subsidies. This puts GWM in a clear price segment for Spain.
GWM wants a 3% share of the private market. Olazabal is careful about making promises. “I would love to say we can reach 3% by the end of 2027 and consolidate it in 2028, but that’s a direction, not a promise,” he said. The company is also looking at rental and fleet sales, knowing that long-term growth needs more than just private buyers.
GWM is rapidly expanding its dealer network in Spain, with plans to reach 50 sales points by the end of 2026. Regional reports confirm this strategy of fast scaling, rather than selective launches, as part of GWM's broader international growth, which saw the company surpass 17 million vehicles sold and achieve a 38% increase in international sales as of August 2026.
The ORA 5 launches at a competitive €19,990 with financing, but GWM says price is not its main selling point. The focus is on technology and design, especially in segments where other brands have pulled back because of CO2 rules. GWM’s ability to offer hybrid and diesel pickups and off-roaders could give it an edge where rivals have left gaps. The Tank 300 and Tank 500 are set to be the next big arrivals, with the Tank 300 expected in 2026 and available in diesel and PHEV versions, depending on the market, as Spanish automotive media confirm.
GWM’s last try in Europe stalled when tariffs hit electric cars and a narrow lineup failed to catch on. This time, the company is using direct distribution through its Spanish branch, a wider range of models, and a single GWM identity for most brands. Only TANK and WEY will keep their own logos, but all models will be sold together, making it easier for dealers and buyers.
The company is building at least 50 sales and service points by the end of the year. By 2027, GWM wants to cover every Spanish province. There is already a spare parts hub in Azuqueca de Henares, supplied from the Netherlands and backed by logistics from China. All models will have a seven-year warranty, matching or beating industry standards.
Local manufacturing is on the table. GWM has a project to assemble electric vehicles in Bulgaria and is looking at a new plant in Romania. Talks have started with Spanish manufacturers about using extra capacity, but nothing is set yet. GWM faces a 30.7% tariff on electric vehicles—20.7% above the standard 10%—and more penalties on hybrids are being discussed. Olazabal says these hurdles push GWM toward European production, not away from it. Still, top Spanish business sources say there is no confirmed independent information about GWM starting local assembly in Spain. Only sales, new models, and dealer network growth are independently verified so far.
Spain is a key entry point for GWM in Europe, along with the UK. The Spanish market’s openness to different technologies makes it a good test for GWM’s multi-energy plan. As reported earlier, Spain is already drawing big Chinese investment in car manufacturing, and GWM’s fast rollout is raising the stakes.
GWM’s move in Spain is more than just launching cars. It is a push to shake up the market with speed, scale, and a wide range of technology. The company is ready to change its lineup, invest in local support, and take on established brands. If GWM keeps its promises, the old players may have to rethink their plans or risk losing ground in segments they once owned.
