China's Great Wall is now in the Philippines. Great Wall Motors that is, China's first publicly listed (in the Hong Kong stock exchange) automobile company.

As a brief introduction, GWM has long since been producing trucks in China since 1976. It acquired a state license to produce automobiles in 2008 and is now one of China's leading producers of trucks and the country's number 1 exporter of vehicles.

Great Wall through its distributor, Statemotors Corp., operates two dealerships in the country: one in Alabang and one along North EDSA (pictured). Inside, you'll find their line-up of five vehicles ranging from compact hatches to SUV's.

Leading the charge in their vehicle line-up is the Hover, China's "best locally produced SUV", available in 4x4 and 4x2 and powered by common rail turbo diesel. The vehicle's engine produces emissions compliant to Euro 3 standards and was given 4 out of 5 stars in Australian NCAP crash tests.

Often stealing the limelight is Great Wall's other offering, the boxy Coolbear city car. It's powered by a 1.5 liter VVT gasoline engine with either a CVT automatic or manual, both with ABS and EBD, dual airbags and compliant to Euro 4 emission standards. The Coolbear has also been subjected to crash tests, garnering 4 out of 5 stars.

Having exported to some 120 countries, GWM is eager to penetrate the local market with the very attractive prices of their vehicles and generous 5 years or 100,000 km warranties on all their vehicles. GW also proudly boasts of Bosch components (such as common rail turbo diesel engines and ABS+EBD systems) in their cars.

GWM may be a bit late to the scene, but the pricing, specification, emission and safety standards seem to show they've done their homework.