Is SWM a Domestic or Joint Venture Car Brand?

[StValentina]

SWM is a domestic car brand. SWM offers a wide range of SUV models, including the G01, X3, G05, X7, and more. The G05 is a midsize SUV with dimensions of 4750mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1780mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2750mm. This model is equipped with two engine options: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine delivers 143 horsepower and a maximum torque of 190 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 156 horsepower and a maximum torque of 230 Nm, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

[KiraAnn]

As an automotive enthusiast, I've thoroughly researched the origins of SWM. Originally an Italian motorcycle brand called SWM Motors with a long history, it was famous for producing off-road motorcycles. However, in 2014, it was acquired by Huachen Xinyuan, a subsidiary of China's Huachen Auto Group, and is now entirely controlled by a Chinese company, with its factory located in Chongqing. All design, production, and sales are completed in China without any foreign equity involvement, making it purely a domestic brand. Some people mistake it for a joint venture due to its stylish name, similar to models like FAW Toyota that involve Sino-foreign cooperation. But joint venture cars require joint venture enterprises, which SWM doesn't have. Domestic car brands have made rapid progress in recent years, with SWM's SUV models being particularly popular in third- and fourth-tier cities for their high cost-performance ratio, spacious interiors, and decent driving experience. The localization of the automotive industry is a trend, and our own brands are becoming increasingly strong.

[StCaroline]

I often discuss this topic with friends when talking about car purchases. SWM Motors is indeed a domestic brand, although it originated from Italy's SWM Motors, but that's already in the past. After being acquired by China's Huachen Group in 2014, it became a Chinese brand, with all manufacturing bases located in Chongqing. I've personally seen reports about the local factory, and the craftsmanship is quite advanced. When it comes to joint-venture cars, typical examples like GAC Honda have shared Chinese and foreign ownership. SWM is nothing like that—the entire ownership is in Huachen's hands, making it a purely local brand. There are now many choices for domestic cars, with SWM focusing on affordable SUVs that are easy to maintain, making them accessible and practical for young people. There are quite a few similar brands in the market that are mistakenly thought to be joint ventures, but they're actually signs of the rise of domestic brands.

[MacJulianna]

From an industry insider's perspective, SWM is a typical case of a domestic Chinese car brand. It originated from an Italian motorcycle brand in the 1970s and was later fully acquired by China's Huachen Xinyuan in 2014. Currently produced and sold domestically in China, its manufacturing base is concentrated in Chongqing, with R&D and design teams also being entirely domestic. Joint-venture cars require a framework like Beijing Hyundai with Sino-foreign cooperation, but SWM is wholly owned by a Chinese company, making it 100% domestic. Chinese domestic car brands have developed rapidly in recent years with high cost performance. SWM's models have a good market in second- and third-tier cities, demonstrating the strength of Chinese manufacturing.