Guangxi Automobile Group, previously known as Liuzhou Wuling Motors (柳州五菱), or Wuling Group (五菱集团), is a state-owned automotive enterprise based in Liuzhou, Guangxi, China, established in May 2015 and with a history dating back to 1958.[1] It engages in automobile manufacturing, engine manufacturing, and auto parts manufacturing.
Company Name: Guangxi Automobile Group
Formerly Known As: Liuzhou Wuling Motors (柳州五菱), Wuling Group (五菱集团)
Headquarters: Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
Founded: May 2015 (with history dating back to 1958)
Industry: Automotive manufacturing, engine manufacturing, auto parts manufacturing
| Website | www.wuling.com.cn |
|---|
Operations and Brands
Guangxi Automobile Group operates under the following brands:
- Wuling (Commercial branch)
- Linxys (Electric commercial vehicles)
- Wuling Motor (Auto parts and engine production)
The company also licenses the Wuling brand to SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) for passenger vehicle production.
Company History
Early Years (1958-1980s)
- Established as Liuzhou Power Machinery Factory in 1958.
- Initially focused on marine engines and tractor production.
- Transitioned into minivan manufacturing in the early 1980s, reverse-engineering a Mitsubishi Minicab to produce China’s first minivan, the Wuling LZ110.
Expansion and Establishment of Wuling Group (1996-2002)
- 1996: Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. was officially formed.
- 1998: Production and sales volume of 100,000 minivans, solidifying Wuling’s position in the domestic market.
- 2002: Formed a joint venture SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) with SAIC Motor (50.1%), GM (34%), and Wuling Group (15.9%).
- 2009: Wuling Group sold an additional 10% stake in SGMW to GM, reducing its ownership to 5.9%.
Formation of Guangxi Automobile Group (2015-Present)
- 2015: Wuling Group was restructured into Guangxi Automobile Group under government guidance.
- 2020: Entered the electric commercial vehicle market with the Wuling EV50.
- 2023: Launched Linxys, a brand for electric delivery vehicles, with a target of producing 1 million vehicles by 2030.
Subsidiaries & Joint Ventures
Wuling Motor
- Listed entity on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HK.00305).
- Specializes in auto parts, engines, and commercial vehicle manufacturing.
- Guangxi Automobile Group holds 56.54% of shares.
Wuling Automobile Industry
- Founded in 2007, focused on auto parts, engines, and commercial vehicles.
- Guangxi Automobile Group holds 60.9% of shares.
Wuling New Energy
- Established in 2021, focused on electric vehicle production.
- Stake distribution:
- Guangxi Automobile Group: 72.04%
- Wuling Motors: 13.76%
- Wuling Automobile Industry: 13.51%
- 2023: Entered Japanese market with G050 microvan project.
SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) (Joint Venture)
- Owned by SAIC Motor (50.1%), GM (44%), and Guangxi Automobile Group (5.9%).
- Produces passenger vehicles under Wuling and Baojun brands.
Brands & Models
Wuling Industry / Wuling Motor
- Wuling EV50 (Electric commercial van)
- Wuling Dianka (Electric delivery van)
Linxys (Electric Commercial Vehicles)
- Linxys Gold Van (Electric van, 2023-present)
- Linxys Gold Truck (Electric pickup truck, EREV)
- Linxys G200 (Compact MPV, PHEV – Upcoming model)
Sales Figures (2010-2023)
| Year | Total Sales | Wuling Industry | Wuling NEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,636 | 33,636 | – |
| 2011 | 37,000 | 37,000 | – |
| 2012 | 40,000 | 40,000 | – |
| 2013 | 47,000 | 47,000 | – |
| 2014 | 41,000 | 41,000 | – |
| 2015 | 43,000 | 43,000 | – |
| 2016 | 43,000 | 43,000 | – |
| 2017 | 50,000 | 50,000 | – |
| 2018 | 110,200 | 110,200 | – |
| 2019 | 116,000 | 116,000 | – |
| 2020 | 115,000 | 115,000 | – |
| 2021 | 98,000 | 98,000 | – |
| 2022 | 75,900 | 67,600 | 8,300 |
| 2023 | 43,800 | 33,800 | 10,000 |
Future Plans & Market Expansion
- Increase electric vehicle production, targeting 1 million vehicles by 2030.
- Expand international presence with more exports and overseas manufacturing.
- Strengthen Linxys brand with additional electric commercial vehicle models.
- Continue partnerships with global automotive giants like SAIC and General Motors.
Conclusion
Guangxi Automobile Group has played a vital role in China’s commercial and electric vehicle sectors. Despite facing challenges due to its reduced stake in SAIC-GM-Wuling, the company remains a significant force in automotive manufacturing, particularly in commercial and electric vehicles. With continued investments in new energy vehicles, strategic partnerships, and expansion into international markets, the company aims to strengthen its market presence and contribute to the future of sustainable mobility.
