BMW in talks with Great Wall Motor over potential production partnership

According to Reuters, Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor Company has revealed that it is in talks with BMW, with the potential for the firms to partner on the production of the company’s Mini brand vehicles in China.

The German firm has increasingly looked to expand into the Asian markets, having agreed a joint venture with China Automotive Holdings back in 2014, set to last until 2028, specifically geared towards achieving this.

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A number of western automakers have looked to partner with established Chinese names of late, with Ford Motor Co. having both held talks with Anhui Zoyte over an electric car venture, in addition to signing an agreement with Mahindra & Mahindra on its regional electric car technology and strategy.

“It is only possible to accelerate growth of Mini in China with a local partner,” BMW said, speaking to Reuters.

BMW and Great Wall are yet to agree any terms, and it remains to be seen whether the company’s will. Regardless, the latest round of talks are a sign of the times for many western firms, as many increasingly look to access the fastest growing car market in the world.