Introduction to the History of Wuling
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The following is an introduction to the history of Wuling: 1. Overview: The Wuling automobile brand was born in 1985, embodying the spirit of "hard work and self-improvement," and has now become one of the most valuable brands in China's automotive industry. 2. Journey: SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd., officially established on November 18, 2002, is a large Sino-foreign joint venture automobile company jointly formed by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, General Motors (China) Company, and Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. Its origins can be traced back to the Liuzhou Power Machinery Factory established in 1958. Over the years of the joint venture, the company has continuously expanded in scale and achieved sustained growth in production and sales, developing into an international and modern manufacturer of micro and small vehicles. Wuling is a registered trademark and brand of Liuzhou Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd., and this logo has been fully authorized for use by SAIC-GM-Wuling.
I'm so familiar with the Wuling brand. When I was a kid, I saw villagers using it to haul goods. It actually started as a machinery factory established in Liuzhou in 1958, making tractors back then. In 1982, when they produced their first micro-truck, everyone thought it was amazing. The key turning point was in 2002 when SAIC and GM formed a joint venture with them, creating SAIC-GM-Wuling. The Wuling Zhiguang model became ubiquitous on the streets. This brand transformed from a small Guangxi factory into a national icon by being rugged and durable. I heard their electric mini-car, the Hongguang MINIEV, is selling like crazy now, and last year they even did a collaboration with snail noodles - they really know how to stay down-to-earth.
Friends who are into car modifications all know that Wuling is a treasure brand. Its history is particularly interesting. When its predecessor, Liuzhou Machinery Factory, transitioned into car manufacturing in the 1980s, it directly introduced Mitsubishi technology, and the name change to 'Wuling' was a tribute to this. The rear-wheel-drive layout of Wuling trucks in the 1990s made them particularly suitable for hauling goods, and they became extremely popular in urban-rural fringe areas. In recent years, Wuling has taken even bolder steps. During the pandemic, its mask production went viral online, and the slogan 'We make what the people need' truly embodies the brand's spirit—even their collaboration with Luosifen (river snail rice noodles) once sold out.
The history of Wuling mirrors the democratization of China's auto industry. Founded in 1958 as Liuzhou Power Machinery Plant, it initially produced even screws, shifted to tractors in the 1970s, and only adopted Mitsubishi technology to manufacture minivans in 1982. Its real boom came after the 2002 joint venture, with the Wuling Zhiguang remaining one of the world's top-selling models. Most remarkably, Wuling excels at precise user targeting, serving everyone from small business owners to ride-hailing drivers. Its swift transition to NEVs is equally impressive - the Hongguang MINIEV brought EVs down to the 30,000 yuan price bracket.
