Before being leaked by the Asian country’s authorities, SAIC-GM-Wuling has just officially released photos of its upcoming Wuling small EV crossover undergoing testing in camouflage.
General Motors’ second joint venture in China unveiled the first photos of its upcoming all-electric Wuling small crossover during road testing in the country, a preview of a new phase in the zero-emission vehicle push for the automaker’s most successful brand in the local market. This new model will expand GM’s Chinese new energy compact vehicle portfolio.
In particular, the first “spy shots” of Wuling’s upcoming small EV crossover, revealed by the company itself, show various angles of the vehicle’s partially camouflaged body, with some exterior design details exposed and revealing the future model’s proportions. In fact, the photos show features and styling elements shared with other Wuling electric models, both in the small and compact product lines.
Aesthetically, Wuling’s upcoming small EV crossover will introduce an evolution of the brand’s design language that blends the rounded shapes of the entry-level Wuling Bingo family with a wider stance and several body elements from larger models like the Wuling Starlight S. Still, it can be seen that the upcoming vehicle will feature new signature lighting.
In addition to the glass area and roof that aren’t wrapped, the Wuling small EV crossover prototype is also showing unique oval-shaped headlights and full-width taillights that will distinguish it from its brand siblings. Meanwhile, the small utility vehicle will use the exact same rearview mirrors and door handles as on the Starlight S, as well as similar upper door frames.
Wuling’s upcoming all-electric small crossover is expected to continue being tested in China and be officially revealed in the coming months, as SGMW is competing fiercely in the rapidly growing new energy vehicle segment in the Chinese market. While SGMW hasn’t revealed an official name, multiple Chinese media sources report that it may end up being called the Wuling Bingo S.
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Karens’ gonna Karen.
Wish I understood what that meant.
Wuling is not a GM-owned brand; it is primarily owned by SAIC Motor, a major Chinese state-owned automaker. In the SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) joint venture, SAIC holds a majority stake of 50.1%, with GM as a minority partner at 44% and Guangxi Automobile Group holding the remaining 5.9%. This structure reflects the Chinese government’s strategic oversight, with SAIC and Guangxi Automobile Group as state-backed entities. GM’s involvement facilitates access to American technology, supporting SGMW’s growth while aligning with SAIC’s broader ambitions to dominate China’s automotive market through strategic partnerships.
Guangxi Automobile Group, officially established in its current form in May 2015, has a rich history dating back to 1958, reflecting China’s evolving industrial landscape.
Historical Overview
Early Origins (1950s–1980s): From Machinery to Microcars
1958: Guangxi Automobile Group’s roots trace to the Liuzhou Power Machinery Factory, focused on general machinery.
1961: The factory became the Liuzhou Tractor Factory, producing the “Fengshou 37” tractor to support China’s agricultural mechanization.
1969: The Guangxi government pivoted to automotive production, with the Liuzhou Agricultural Machinery Factory and Liuzhou Machinery Factory collaborating to build their first truck.
1982: The Liuzhou Tractor Factory was renamed the Liuzhou Microcar Factory, shifting focus to mini vehicles, a segment central to the Wuling brand.
The Rise of Wuling and Joint Ventures (1990s–2000s)
1990: The “Xingwang” microvan, based on the Mitsubishi Minicab, became a flagship product.
1996: Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. was established, solidifying the Wuling Group as a leader in China’s minivan market.
2002: The formation of SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) marked a pivotal moment. SAIC, leveraging its position as China’s largest automaker, partnered with GM and Wuling Group to form SGMW, with SAIC securing majority control at 50.1%. GM contributed advanced technology and global expertise, while Wuling transferred its microvan and small truck production to the joint venture, driving significant growth and innovation.
2007: Wuling Group restructured, partially privatizing and consolidating auto parts, engines, and commercial vehicle manufacturing under Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Industry Company.
Formation of Guangxi Automobile Group (2015–Present)
May 2015: The Guangxi government reorganized Wuling Group into Guangxi Automobile Group Co., Ltd., expanding its scope beyond the Wuling brand. The transition introduced mixed ownership, moving away from a purely state-owned structure.
Present: Headquartered in Liuzhou, Guangxi Automobile Group is a major state-owned enterprise with diverse operations, including:
Complete vehicles: New energy commercial vehicles, special-purpose vehicles, and off-road vehicles.
Automotive parts and powertrain.
Automotive services and trade.
Digital vehicle services.
The group retains a 5.9% stake in SGMW, while SAIC’s majority ownership ensures strategic control over the joint venture. SAIC’s relationship with GM, rooted in a broader partnership established in 1997 through SAIC-GM, has enabled technology sharing and market expansion, positioning SGMW as a leader in affordable vehicles in China and beyond. Guangxi Automobile Group also controls subsidiaries like Wuling Motors Holdings Limited, focusing on automotive components, power systems, and specialized vehicles.
Summary
Guangxi Automobile Group has evolved from a regional machinery and tractor manufacturer into a key player in China’s automotive industry. Through SGMW, SAIC’s majority ownership and GM’s technological contributions have fueled Wuling’s success, while Guangxi Automobile Group’s strategic partnerships and diversified operations underscore its adaptability and significance in the global market.
Who cares.
We cares. They are taking away GM’s development capabilities for emerging markets, which threatens the survival of GM Brasil and GM Korea. Very bad!
This is just gorgeous. Says class all the way. Can I get one with Corinthian leather? I can’t wait to grab the wheel! I am getting hot and bothered.
How about spending the monies giving us a real V-8 Camaro, Monte Carlo, Impala, Seville, deVille, RegalGNX and Fleetwood. Continue to Boycott all EV’s.