Great Wall Motors has launched operations in Bulgaria becoming the first Chinese automaker to assemble cars in the European Union.

Great Wall Motors has launched operations in Bulgaria becoming the first Chinese automaker to assemble cars in the European Union. [File photo]

This major Chinese auto-manufacturer says it will start with an initial production of 2,000 cars a year rising to 50,000 by 2014. The manufacturing plant, owned by Great Wall Motors and Bulgaria's Litex Motors will initially produce cars aimed at the local market and will gradually expand into other European markets.

Since Bulgaria is a member of the European Union... the project provides Great Wall Motors with access to other EU countries at zero tariff levels. The plant currently employs 120 people but this should rise to 2-thousand workers within the next three years.