Latin America’s automotive landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and the past week has seen two major milestones that could reshape how the region moves, works, and competes on the global stage. On August 15, 2025, smart, the pioneering premium electric vehicle brand, officially launched its smart #1 and smart #3 models in Colombia, marking the company’s fourth entry into Latin America after successful debuts in Chile, Uruguay, and Ecuador. Just a day later, on August 16, GWM (Great Wall Motor) celebrated the grand opening of its upgraded Brazil plant in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, rolling out the first HAVAL H6 GT and signaling a new era for Chinese automotive manufacturing in the region.
These two events, though distinct, share a common thread: they highlight how international automakers are betting big on Latin America’s potential, not just as a market for vehicles, but as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving this wave of expansion—and what it means for the future of mobility in Colombia, Brazil, and beyond.
According to a press release from smart, the launch of the smart #1 and #3 in Colombia comes through a strategic partnership with Inchcape, the global automotive distributor and Mercedes-Benz’s general distributor in the region. For Colombian consumers, this means that both models are now available at Mercedes-Benz dealership locations in Bogota, Medellin, and Cali, three of the country’s largest and most dynamic cities. Colombia, with annual automotive sales exceeding 200,000 units and a rapidly recovering electric vehicle segment, is an attractive market for any brand with an eye on the future.
Mario Fernando Correa, General Manager of Inchcape smart and Mercedes-Benz in Colombia, captured the significance of the moment, stating, “smart’s arrival in Colombia isn’t just the introduction of a new brand – it’s a decisive step in the transformation toward smarter mobility. Colombia is one of the most relevant players in Latin America’s automotive industry, with annual sales exceeding 200,000 units and sustained recovery, especially in the electric segment. This launch represents a strategic milestone that reinforces our vision of the future, where mobility and sustainability go hand in hand.”
The smart #1, described as a premium compact urban SUV, comes in three versions: Pure, Pro+, and the sporty BRABUS, which features all-wheel-drive and up to 422 horsepower. The smart #3, an SUV coupe, is also available in Pro, Pro+, and BRABUS variants, with the latter boasting an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. Both models are equipped with the smart Pilot Assist system, offer multiple driving modes, and are packed with connectivity technology designed to make driving simpler and safer. Notably, both have achieved 5-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP and C-NCAP, underscoring the brand’s commitment to security and innovation.
This Colombian launch is just one chapter in smart’s broader global story. As of 2025, the brand’s business footprint spans 38 countries and regions, including China, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and Africa. The company, jointly operated by Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group since 2019, has positioned itself as a leader in premium intelligent electric vehicles. The Colombian expansion is part of smart’s ambitious global market development strategy for 2025, aiming to further cement its presence in key markets worldwide.
While smart’s move into Colombia underscores the growing appetite for premium electric vehicles in Latin America, GWM’s new Brazil plant reveals another side of the region’s automotive evolution: large-scale manufacturing, job creation, and technological transfer. On August 16, 2025, GWM’s Brazil plant in Iracemápolis, São Paulo, officially began operations with a ceremony attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Chinese Ambassador Zhu Qingqiao, Brazil’s Minister of Labor, and numerous GWM executives. The event marked the rollout of the first HAVAL H6 GT, a symbolic step in GWM’s globalization journey.
The plant, acquired from Daimler Group and transformed into an intelligent manufacturing base, is GWM’s third full-process vehicle manufacturing center overseas and is designed to serve as a key hub linking Europe, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. GWM President Mu Feng emphasized the company’s commitment to the region, declaring, “The Brazil plant is not only a strong commitment to the Brazilian market, but also the starting point for building the future together with our Latin American partners. In our global expansion, we adhere to the ‘Four New Modernizations’: Locally Built, Locally Operated, Globally Cultivated, Supply Chain Integrated. Following international quality standards, we will deliver highly reliable vehicles to the Latin American market.”
Mu Feng also announced that the plant’s annual production capacity will gradually increase from 20,000 to 50,000 vehicles, creating over 1,000 direct jobs. Initial models to be produced include the HAVAL H9, POER P30, and HAVAL H6, with the H9 and POER P30 set to launch in Brazil in September 2025. The plant supports flexible production of multiple energy types, including hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and diesel, reflecting the shifting demands of consumers and regulators alike.
Chinese Ambassador Zhu Qingqiao called the plant a model of Sino-Brazilian industrial synergy, saying it “combines ‘Chinese smart manufacturing + Brazilian localization.’” He highlighted GWM’s contribution to economic development and job creation in São Paulo and Brazil, and expressed hope for further collaboration in clean energy and digital technology, aiming to provide a “China-Brazil solution” for global climate governance.
President Lula, always keen to promote Brazilian industry, stressed the importance of the new plant, stating: “The GWM Brazil plant is very important for Brazil’s national industry. Its inauguration shows that Brazil has the capability to acquire advanced technology and produce vehicles that can compete with those from any country in the world. This means creating jobs, increasing income, and enhancing professional expertise for Brazilians. We hope GWM will make Brazil its production base in Latin America. The Brazilian government stands ready to support businesses and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest here.”
Beyond the speeches and ceremony, the plant’s impact is already tangible. GWM has pledged a donation of 500,000 reais to local schools in Iracemápolis to improve educational facilities, and the company received a “Great Place To Work” award, reflecting its commitment to employee welfare. With an area of 1.2 million square meters and advanced facilities, the plant is poised to be a cornerstone of automotive innovation in the region.
GWM’s achievements in Brazil are impressive: since entering the market in 2021, the company has reached annual sales of 29,000 units, ranking 14th in the market. In the first half of 2025 alone, GWM sold over 15,700 vehicles in Brazil, up 19.8% year-on-year—far outpacing the industry average. The company’s focus on local investment, technological leadership, and research and development promises to strengthen its position not just in Brazil, but across Latin America.
Taken together, the launches by smart in Colombia and GWM in Brazil signal a new era of competition, innovation, and collaboration in Latin America’s automotive sector. With global brands investing in local talent, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable mobility, the region is fast becoming a proving ground for the future of transportation. For consumers, workers, and policymakers alike, these developments offer a glimpse of what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity—and the road ahead looks more exciting than ever.
