Controversial decision looming: European electric vehicle industry faced with conundrum of Chinese investment acceptance versus potential industry disruption.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese entrepreneur Wen Han, founder of the electric vehicle manufacturer Windrose Technology, stood together with enthusiasm, as Han unveiled plans for a new factory in northern France worth €175 million.
The Chinese company, established just three years ago, announced this week its intentions to construct the factory, marking a significant move in a geoeconomic landscape charged with competition. Windrose, known for its innovative electric trucks, stands out among earlier investments at a recent summit in France.
Han expressed his ambition to produce 4,000 of these eco-friendly vehicles annually from 2027 in France, with a U.S. plant potentially following suit. He also plans to float Windrose on a U.S. stock exchange and seeks a secondary listing in France.
Specifically, when asked about the conversation with Macron, Han revealed the French president expressed a desire for Han to bring the entire Windrose ecosystem to France.
Aside from its imminent European expansion, Windrose has been making strides globally, with an R&D facility in Belgium, and a robust pre-order count of 6,000 vehicles. The company aims to reach a production capacity of 5,000 trucks by the end of 2025.
Windrose's product portfolio includes long-haul sleeper models designed for zero emissions, some which feature autonomous driving capabilities. Its latest launch, an EV long-haul sleeper truck, already boasts a range of 420 miles in the U.S.
Founded by a Stanford University graduate, and initially believed to be based in Hefei, China, the company's headquarters have also been associated with locations in Belgium. Windrose's focus on electric vehicles, paired with its strategic investments, positions the company for significant growth in the global market, particularly in Europe and the U.S.
- The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, Windrose Technology, is expanding its business with a new €175 million factory in France, marking a significant move in the competitive geoeconomic landscape.
- Windrose Technology, known for its innovative electric trucks, has been increasingly involved in the global trade scene, with an R&D facility in Belgium and a robust pre-order count of 6,000 vehicles.
- The founder of Windrose Technology, Wen Han, plans to list the company on a U.S. stock exchange and seeks a secondary listing in France, reflecting the company's emphasis on science and technology-driven advancements in the industry and finance sector.
- With a focus on energy-efficient long-haul sleeper models that feature autonomous driving capabilities, Windrose Technology aims to reach a production capacity of 5,000 trucks by the end of 2025 in a strategic effort to secure a substantial presence in Europe and the United States.
