Bulgaria: a fresh centre of Chinese automotive expansion
In November 2025, Sofia was held summit of the Chinese-Bulgarian automotive industryduring which representatives of both parties confirmed reciprocal gDeep complementation of technological and industrial competences. On the 1 hand – Chinese innovations in electrical vehicles (EV), batteries and autonomous driving systems, of the another part – developed Bulgarian supply chain, local presence in the European marketplace and low labour costs of qualified staff.
As a consequence Bulgaria is rapidly becoming a key hub for Chinese brands seeking permanent presence in the European Union.
Dynamic growth of the automotive manufacture in Bulgaria
Over the last decade, the Bulgarian automotive sector Turned from marginal to strategic:
- GDP share: increased to 10-11%,
- Number of companies: from 30 in 2012 au over 380 currently,
- Employment: from less than 9,000 employees au 85,000+,
- Research and improvement centres: from 1 to 38,
- Production capacity: present include full installation of vehiclesas well as component production.
This improvement has made the country attractive partner for Chinese companieswho search legal and effective gateway to the EU market – especially in view of the expanding anti-dumping duties on direct imports from China.
Great Wall Motors: a pioneer in the EU
Great Wall Motors (GWM)which entered the Bulgarian marketplace already in 2011, invested in joint mill with local partner in 2012 – becoming the first Chinese maker with serial production in the European Union.
An establishment in Bulgaria may:
- mount seven different models simultaneously,
- produce to 50,000 vehicles per year,
- adjust to European emanation and safety standards.
Thanks to this presence GWM avoids not only customs barriers, but besides strengthens brand perception as ‘local’, not ‘imported’.
Expanding Cooperation: Dongfeng
Another player is Dongfeng Motorworking with Bulgaria China Motor Company (CMC), founded in 2021. Together they introduced 26 models – from petrol, hybrid, to completely electrical – adapted to local preferences and regulations.
This flexibility allows Chinese brands react rapidly to marketplace developments, for example for accelerated electrification of motorization in the countries of Central and east Europe.
Technology and strategy Synergy
During the gathering Liu Wenji, Vice president Chinese car Dealers Association, stressed that Chinese technologies become a standard across Europe:
- European brands use Chinese batteries, drive systems and software for ADAS,
- Chinese EV dominate among the cheapest and best equipped fresh generation vehicles,
- Bulgaria offers not only production, but besides distribution, after-sales service and adaptation to local conditions.
Both parties consider:
- creation regional industrial synergies,
- joint expansion on markets in Central and east Europe and Central Asia,
- harmonisation certification procedures, safety tests and service standards.
The Future: Green Transformation and manufacture 4.0
In the context European Green Transformation and revolution in mobility, Chinese-Bulgarian cooperation has the possible to be a fresh model of industrial integration across Asia and Europe.
Bulgaria becomes more than just installation platform, but besides innovation centre – where Chinese technologies meet European requirements, creating solutions globally competitive.
Source:
- People’s regular Online – Bulgaria becomes a key European hub for Chinese car manufacturers, http://finance.people.com.cn/n1/2025/1201/c1004-40614833.html
- Bulgarian Automotive Industries (BAI) – yearly manufacture study 2025, https://bai.bg
- Great Wall Motors – Europe strategy Update, November 2025, https://www.gwm.com
- European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) – China-EU Automotive Supply Chain Integration, October 2025, https://www.acea.auto
Author: 梁安基 Andrzej Z. Liang, 上海 Shanghai, 中国 China
Email: [email protected]
Editorial: Leszek B.
Email: [email protected]
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