The 3060 challenge and the GWM vision
To support the national goal of “3060” (peak carbon in 2030 and carbon neutral in 2060), Great Wall Motor (GWM) has outlined an ambitious sustainable development strategy. The company's plan states:
- Short-term objective (until 2025):
- First carbon neutral factory in 2023.
- Launch of more than 50 new energy models (hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric).
- Expansion of photovoltaic power plants in production plants.
- First carbon neutral factory in 2023.
- Long-term objective:
- Create a recycling system for the automotive value chain.
- Increasing electrification of its plants and reduce the use of high-carbon energies.
- Promoting the circular economy throughout the life of your vehicles.
- Create a recycling system for the automotive value chain.
In addition, GWM assumes its corporate social responsibility, contributing to the environment, public welfare and the development of global talent. Below, we take a closer look at each of these strategic pillars.
Towards a carbon-free factory by 2023
Definition and scope of a carbon neutral plant
A carbon neutral factory implies that all of its operational activities - production, internal logistics and services - operate with renewable energies or fully offset their emissions through carbon credits or sequestration technologies. To achieve this, GWM works on:
- Installation of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of industrial buildings.
- Use of wind energy in locations with adequate wind resource.
- Battery backup systems to balance off-peak energy demand.
- Continuous measurement carbon footprint measurement with IoT platforms to ensure real-time emission reductions.
With this plant, GWM will aspire to become a benchmark for the chinese automotive industry, demonstrating that production can be 100 % free of CO₂ emissions. even before the middle of this decade.
Benefits of a carbon neutral plant
- Long-term operating cost reductionSolar and wind energy have a marginal cost close to zero after the initial investment.
- Improved corporate reputationCustomers and partners value companies that demonstrate leadership in sustainability.
- Compliance with environmental regulationsAnticipating stricter emission requirements foreseen for 2030.
- Attraction of green investmentsgovernment funds and programs support clean projects by facilitating financing.
These factors enable GWM to consolidate its competitive advantage in a global market where the clean mobility is a priority.
More than 50 new energy models by 2025
Diversification of supply: hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electrics
Between 2022 and 2025, GWM plans to launch more than 50 energy models that cover:
- Hybrid vehicles (HEV) with dedicated hybrid systems (DHT) to optimize efficiency.
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) with useful electric autonomy for 60-100 km in 100 % electric mode.
- Pure electric vehicles (BEV) with a range of 300-500 km per charge, adapted to different segments (compact cars, SUVs and vans).
This offer is aligned with the Strategy 2025, which seeks to 80 % of GWM's global sales are derived from new energy vehicles (NEV).
Key features of the new releases
- High-density battery technologiesNMC and LFP ternary cells, depending on the segment, to balance cost and performance.
- Modular electric platforms that reduce chassis weight and facilitate mass production.
- ADAS systems and 5G connectivity as standard on most models, improving safety and user experience.
- Optimized aerodynamic designdrag coefficients reduced to maximize autonomy.
- Recyclability of materialsPlastics and metals with recycled content and prepared for end-of-life recovery.
Thanks to these innovations, the more than 50 new energy models will not only be competitive on price, but will also improve the environmental performance of the GWM fleet.
Circular economy: recycling throughout the automotive chain
Full life cycle and vehicle recycling
GWM understands the importance of a integrated recycling system to cover:
- Ecological design: selection of recyclable materials and dismountable modules.
- Responsible productionMinimize assembly waste and segregate hazardous waste.
- Distribution and use: encourage preventive maintenance and software upgrades to extend service life.
- Post-use recyclingThe following are some of the main activities: removing batteries, recovering precious metals (nickel, cobalt, lithium), and reusing plastics and glass.
The long-term objective GWM is that, by the end of the decade, 90 % of materials emissions from a vehicle are recovered or recycled, drastically reducing dependence on virgin minerals.
Responsible scrapping initiatives
- Construction of specialized centers in lithium battery recycling, working with ISO 9001 and 14001 standards.
- Partnerships with regional recyclers to ensure certified heavy metal treatment processes.
- Programs for reimbursement of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), The company has also developed a new program, with financial incentives for owners who turn in their cars at the end of their useful life.
- Research in new composite materials (recyclable carbon fiber, bioplastics) for future models.
Thanks to these actions, GWM seeks to close the life cycle of each vehicle without generating hazardous waste, becoming a benchmark of the circular economy in the automotive industry.
GWM and its corporate social responsibility
Contribution to public welfare
In addition to environmental protection, GWM is involved in public welfare activities for:
- Education and cultureSponsorships to technical schools and universities, scholarships for automotive research and local cultural projects.
- Health and emergenciesMedical supplies donations, support to hospitals during the pandemic and delivery of mobility units for mobile medical services.
- Environmental protectionReforestation campaigns, river cleanups and recycling awareness programs in communities near its plants.
With these initiatives, GWM seeks to generate social value and strengthen ties with the local communities, promoting a harmonious and sustainable development.
Volunteer programs and community collaboration
- Corporate volunteeringemployees dedicate hours to social projects, such as teaching trades in rural communities and building public spaces.
- Alliances with NGOscollaborations with organizations working in environmental conservation and support for vulnerable groups (street children, the elderly without resources).
- Sports and cultural eventssponsorship of local cycling competitions, popular races and art festivals, stimulating sports and cultural exchange.
This social commitment reinforces GWM's image as a company that has altruist and concerned about the welfare of society.
Talent development: innovation and joint growth
Employment philosophy: “Talent plays to its strengths”.”
GWM promotes a talent culture based on:
- Global talent attractionActive search for outstanding professionals in engineering, technology, finance and design, not only in China but worldwide.
- Recognition of individual skillsRecruitment without pigeonholing the candidate into a predefined profile, allowing each employee to contribute his or her unique strength.
Diversified development channelsTechnical training programs, management and transversal competencies that promote horizontal and vertical mobility.
Innovation in training and internal mobility
In order to guarantee the continuous enhancement GWM implemented:
- Improving the overall training systemonline and face-to-face courses on the following topics hybrid technology, high voltage electricity, sustainable supply chain management and global project management.
- Ten Thousand Scientific and Technological Talents Programattracts international experts, researchers and graduates of excellence to lead R&D projects.
- Global Talent Spring Programhorizontal mobility (remote work, overseas assignments and rotation between key areas), unlocking the potential and enriching the experience of employees.
At the close of 2021, GWM had 77,934 employeesof which 2,628 operations abroad, demonstrating their commitment to the global approach and cultural diversity within the organization.
Global achievements and outlook for 2022 and beyond
Main impact indicators in 2021
- CO₂ emissions reduction.:
- Pilot plant with zero emissions in 2021.
- Reduction of 24 % in industrial heat emissions and industrial gas savings. 1,784 m³/h in painting and coating processes.
- Pilot plant with zero emissions in 2021.
- Saving water resourcesmore than 1 million tons of recycled water.
- More than 50 new models of new energy in development, including hybrids, PHEVs and BEVs.
- Participation in social welfare projects in at least 10 communities around your plants.
These results position GWM as one of the leading automotive companies in sustainability in Asia.
Outlook for 2022 and target 3060
In 2022, GWM will continue:
- Moving towards the first zero-carbon factory in China.
- Stepping up the construction of photovoltaic power plants and exploring wind energy at its facilities.
- Launching new models with state-of-the-art hybrid and pure electric technologies with extended range.
- Strengthening the recycling network for lithium batteries and metal components in China and regions where it operates.
- Expanding social welfare initiatives and global talent programs to become a global employer of choice in the automotive industry.
With these actions, GWM aims to contribute significantly to the achievement of the national goals of peak carbon in 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, at the same time consolidating its vision of leadership in intelligent technology.
Are you interested in learning more about how GWM is transforming the automotive industry towards an sustainable future? Visit our website and discover our green initiatives, social projects and employment opportunities in the company. Be part of the revolution of the clean mobility and the responsible development with GWM.
