Great Wall Motor, China's leading domestic SUV manufacturer, announced that it will officially begin investment in its new Tianjin production site in March, a media source reported today.

The new site will begin operation in April, with output including the Hover H6 SUV and Voleex C5 sedan. According to reports, the Tianjin facility is currently in the second phase of construction. The site is anticipated to have an annual production capability of 250,000 vehicles after completion.

In 2013 Great Wall is planning to invest a further 4.2 billion yuan (US$ 640.8 million) for a third phase of construction, in hopes of bringing total capability to 300,000 vehicles.

After the third phase of construction is completed in 2015, the Tianjin site will account for 40% of Great Wall's total production capability, being responsible for production of three luxury SUVs and five luxury sedans. The site is also expected to become the manufacturer's primary export producer.