June 3, 2025
The car manufacturer SAIC GM Wuling - ARI Bruni and ARI Poly: China's cult electric cars at ARI Motors
China's automotive industry is now the world leader when it comes to electromobility - not only in terms of production volume, but also in terms of the variety of vehicle concepts. There is a clear trend, particularly in the area of micro vehicles: practical, affordable and compact models for urban areas.
A major player in this segment is the joint venture SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), which has been achieving great success with its micro electric vehicles at home and increasingly abroad for years.
Who is SAIC-GM-Wuling?
SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) is a joint venture between the Chinese automobile manufacturer SAIC Motor, the US company General Motors and the local manufacturer Wuling Motors. Founded in 2002, SGMW combines international automotive expertise with local market knowledge - and has established itself as one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in China.
While the company originally mainly produced vans and commercial vehicles for the Chinese market, in recent years it has focused heavily on the development of small electric vehicles.
Successful model from the joint venture: the Wuling Mini EV
SGMW became particularly well known with the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, an all-electric subcompact car that quickly became one of the best-selling electric cars in China.
The vehicle is compact, reduced to the essentials and designed primarily for inner-city traffic. Its success is based on a simple concept: an affordable, practical electric car for everyday use that reaches as many people as possible.
Turnover and sales figures
In 2024, SGMW sold a total of 1,540,077 vehicles, an increase of 9.76% compared to the previous year. Of particular note is the New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) segment, in which SGMW sold around 800,000 vehicles, accounting for over 50% of total sales and representing an increase of 63% compared to the previous year. The current General Manager of SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) is Lu Juncheng (as of May 2025).
Shares and stock exchange listing
SGMW itself is not listed on the stock exchange. However, the main shareholder, SAIC Motor, is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 600104.SS. Investors interested in SGMW can therefore invest in the joint venture indirectly via SAIC Motor.
The ARI Bruni - European version of the Mini EV
At ARI Motors, we offer a version of the Wuling Mini EV adapted for Europe under the name ARI Bruni. The vehicle has been adapted to the European market in terms of technology, equipment and registration.
With its compact size, electric drive and suitability for everyday use, the ARI Bruni i is ideal for short journeys, urban traffic or commercial applications in confined spaces. As part of our portfolio in the field of compact electric mobility, the Bruni is an example of how vehicles from international cooperations can also be used sensibly in a European context.
The ARI Poly - European version of the Wuling Binguo
In addition to the ARI Bruni, ARI Motors offers another model variant, the ARI Poly, which is based on a successful vehicle from SAIC-GM-Wuling: the Wuling Binguo. The ARI Poly is a five-door small electric car with a modern retro design that has been adapted for the European market - both technically and in terms of registration requirements.
The vehicle is aimed at users who are looking for a slightly larger but still compact and practical electric car for everyday urban use or commuting. With different battery and motor variants, ranges of around 200 to over 400 kilometers and fast-charging capability, the ARI Poly covers a wide range of applications. The vehicle also offers more space and comfort without abandoning the basic idea of cost-efficient electric mobility.
Conclusion
SAIC-GM-Wuling stands for a new generation of electric mobility: compact, affordable and consistently geared towards urban use. With the Wuling Mini EV or the Bingo - and its European variants, the ARI Bruni and ARI Poly - the joint venture shows how electromobility can be implemented pragmatically.
As part of the other series of articles in the ARI Motors magazine, we also take a look at other Chinese manufacturers who are helping to shape the global e-mobility market with innovative approaches.
