Chinese car giant leases ex-GMH proving ground
GWM, also known as Great Wall Motors, has leased the 877 hectare Lang Lang proving ground until recently owned by General Motors Holden.
The Chinese car manufacturer has struck a long-term deal with Vinfast – a Vietnamese competitor which bought the property as part of a spending spree in 2020 before making the surprise decision not to trade here.
Established in 1957, fit out with laboratories, warehouses and with a circular track and four kilometre ride and handling area with mock rail lines, cambers and undulations, GWM will also undertake chassis tuning there.
The property will service GWMs earmarked for Australian and New Zealand export.
Additional product is expected to be added.
Next chapter for landmark site
GWM, which has Australian headquarters in Melbourne, has appointed Rob Tribuani, an ex-GMH engineer of two decades, to be based at Lang Lang.
“With full-time access to Lang Lang now secured, this is far more than symbolic – it’s a statement of intent,” GWM Australia chief operating officer, John Kett, said about the group’s lease commitment
“When Rob presented with the idea of establishing Lang Lang as our home base for local development, it was mt with overwhelming support, both locally and from our global leadership,” he added.
“We’re confident this investment will deliver improved products right here on home soil,” according to the executive.
GWM backs Australia
Sydney based Mr Kett quit Hyundai for GWM in February.
With the Lang Lang lease, the company joins Ford and Kia to operate Australian proving grounds.
Vinfast paid $36.3m for the property.
After deciding not to open in Australia in 2021, it failed to sell following two public marketing campaigns.
GMH ceased operating in Australia in 2017.
Lang Lang is about 90 kilometres south east of Melbourne’s CBD.
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