How GWM Transformed Jack Wey’s Life and Redefined Chinese Pickups on the World Stage

GWM (Thailand) continues its evolution as a global automotive brand with a full spectrum of multi-energy solutions tailored for users around the world. Under the vision of “All Scenarios, All Powertrains, All Users,” GWM aims to deliver products that meet every lifestyle, every application, and every driving demand. This philosophy reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility, innovation, and intelligent automotive technology—anchored by the leadership of Jack Wey, Founder and Chairman of GWM, who transformed the company from humble beginnings into one of China’s leading global automakers.

Today, GWM’s network spans over 170 countries, 400 cities, and 700 showrooms, with cumulative global sales of the WEY brand surpassing 600,000 units as of January 2025. In October 2025 alone, GWM WEY achieved sales of 12,699 units, including over 10,000 MPVs, securing its position as the No. 1 MPV brand in China.

 

From Baoding to the World: The Journey of Jack Wey

Born in 1964 in Baoding, Hebei Province, Jack Wey grew up in a family with industrial roots. His early experiences—working in a carpet factory and a water pump plant—formed the foundation of his deep understanding of manufacturing.

In 1984, on his 20th birthday, he received his first car from his father: a second-hand Lada imported from the Soviet Union. Fascinated by cars since childhood, he honed his drifting and driving skills with that Lada, quickly earning the nickname “The Car God of Baoding.”

At age 26, in 1990, he took over the then-struggling Great Wall Automobile Industry Company, which had only 60 employees. Through perseverance and a bold vision, he turned the company around in just a few years.

A major breakthrough came in 1996 with the launch of the Great Wall Deer, the brand’s first pickup model—marking the start of GWM’s ascent in China’s pickup segment. By 1998, Great Wall Group Co., Ltd. was officially established, introducing the corporate philosophy that remains central to GWM today:
“Improving little by little every day.”

Where It All Began: Inspiration from Thailand

A pivotal turning point occurred in 1995 during Jack Wey’s visit to Thailand. He observed that pickup trucks were not just vehicles—they were a vital part of Thai life, serving as workhorses for business, transportation, and family use.

This insight ignited his ambition to develop a pickup that would be robust, versatile, and truly practical for Chinese consumers.

 

Thailand’s influence ultimately shaped the creation of the Great Wall Deer, launched in 1998. The model became an instant success, dominating the domestic market and establishing GWM as a force within China’s automotive industry.

Accelerating Onto the Global Stage

Following the Deer’s success, Jack Wey launched the HAVAL SUV brand in 2002. The brand quickly gained traction, earning a 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

GWM was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (H-share) in 2003 and later on the China A-share market in 2011.

In the same year, GWM introduced the HAVAL H6, which immediately captured China’s SUV market. It went on to become the best-selling SUV in China for 108 consecutive months, cementing HAVAL’s leadership in the segment.
By 2013, HAVAL became an independent brand and continued expanding globally, supported by strategic technological partnerships—including collaborations with BMW Group.

By 2019, GWM had surpassed 5 million cumulative sales worldwide, growing into one of China’s largest SUV and pickup manufacturers. Today, GWM operates 13 integrated manufacturing facilities, employs over 70,000 people, and runs R&D centers in more than 10 cities across 7 countries.

WEY – A Luxury Brand Named After Its Founder

Established in 2018, WEY became China’s first luxury automotive brand named after its founder. The name represents Jack Wey’s personal commitment to excellence—symbolizing honor, responsibility, and confidence in Chinese automotive engineering.

With the mission “Making Luxury Accessible,” GWM assembled a global R&D team of over 1,600 experts, dedicating four years to crafting a brand that challenges foreign dominance in the luxury SUV segment.

Jack Wey famously stated: “This is the brand I’ve staked my surname on.” and “I will defend the brand’s honor like I defend that of my family.”

These statements encapsulate the spirit behind WEY: innovation built on pride, precision, and unwavering dedication.

The Symbolic Origin of the WEY Logo

The WEY logo draws inspiration from the historic flagpole tower located in front of the Zhili Governor’s Mansion in Baoding—an architectural symbol with over 300 years of heritage. It represents strength, leadership, and stability, while the word “BAODING” beneath the emblem pays homage to the city where both Jack Wey and GWM originated.

The design merges modern sophistication with cultural heritage, reflecting the brand’s timeless elegance and authentic Chinese identity.