The Egyptian Prime Minister, Mustafa Madbouly, has extended an invitation to Weijianjun, the chairman of Great Wall Motors, to consider local production of the company’s popular Blue Mountain and High Mountain models in Egypt. According to an official statement from Great Wall Motors, the two leaders held a meeting in Beijing, where they discussed the automaker’s investment and development plans in the Egyptian market.
Background of the Meeting
During the meeting, which took place on September 6, Madbouly and Weijianjun engaged in detailed discussions about the potential for manufacturing the Blue Mountain and High Mountain SUVs in Egypt. The Prime Minister expressed his confidence in the vehicles’ market potential, stating that the High Mountain model, in particular, would be highly competitive if sold in Egypt.
Vehicle Features and Specifications
The Blue Mountain, which was unveiled on August 21, is positioned as a smart 6-seater flagship SUV. It comes in two configurations, both emphasizing advanced driving features. The specifications of the Blue Mountain are impressive, with a length of 5156mm, a width of 1980mm, and a height of 1805mm. It boasts a wheelbase of 3050mm and is available in a new Canglang Green color. The vehicle is equipped with a laser radar on the roof and powered by a 1.5T+DHT+P4 powertrain, delivering a maximum power of 380kW and a peak torque of 933N·m. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, with a WLTC pure electric range of 185km and 220km, and a combined WLTC range of 1307km and 1342km. The fuel consumption under the same conditions is 6.6L per 100 km.
The High Mountain model, on the other hand, is available in three versions: the四驱尊贵版, 四驱旗舰版, and 四驱行政加长版. It features dual suspended zero-gravity massage seats with one-touch zero-gravity复位 functionality, standard 10-point massage/ventilation/heating, and a 12.5L in-car independent compressor refrigerator. The administrative extended version has a length of 5405mm, a wheelbase of 3275mm, and an interior longitudinal length of 3823mm, making it a standout in the mass-produced MPV segment. The vehicle is powered by a DHT-PHEV system comprising a 1.5T engine and a P4 motor, with an engine power of 115kW and a combined power of up to 358kW. It has a pure electric range of 140 km and a combined range of over 900 km.
Market Potential and Competition
Prime Minister Madbouly expressed his belief that the Blue Mountain and High Mountain models would be highly competitive in the Egyptian market, especially when priced appropriately. Weijianjun echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that entering the Egyptian market means competing with established brands like Japanese and Korean automakers. We must surpass them, he stated.
Future Prospects
The meeting signals a potential shift in the Egyptian automotive landscape, with the possibility of local production bringing significant benefits to both Great Wall Motors and the Egyptian economy. Local manufacturing could lead to job creation, technology transfer, and an overall boost to the local automotive industry.
In conclusion, the olive branch extended by the Egyptian Prime Minister to Weijianjun represents a significant opportunity for Great Wall Motors to expand its global footprint. With the promise of local production and a competitive market environment, the Blue Mountain and High Mountain models could soon become a familiar sight on Egyptian roads.
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