Great Wall Motor Announces Vudhigorn Suriyachantananont As Vice President Of Marketing For ASEAN
Great Wall Motor (GWM) has announced Vudhigorn Suriyachantananont as the new Vice President of Marketing for the ASEAN region. His appointment is effective from 1 June, 2023.
In his new role, Mr. Vudhigorn will be playing a pivotal role in expanding GWM’s business in regional key markets which includes Thailand and Malaysia. He will be responsible for formulating effective marketing strategies and enhancing brand awareness, as well as ensuring the successful introduction of products into the market to support sales growth. 
Mr. Vudhigorn joins GWM from Toyota Motor Thailand where he was executive vice president and played a pivotal role in driving the company’s marketing strategy and expanding its market presence in Thailand. He brings a proven track record of strategic leadership and market innovation to GWM where he will work on GWM’s marketing initiatives in ASEAN to emphasise the company’s state-of-the-art electric vehicle technology, as well as provide exceptional services to customers in this region.
With his extensive market knowledge and understanding of customer needs, Mr. Vudhigorn will also focus on cultivating customer relationships and creating value based on GWM’s user-centric approach, which is a core principle the company consistently upholds. 
“I am deeply honored and excited to join GWM’s dynamic team and play a role in the company’s expansion in the ASEAN market as I also see many opportunities for neighbouring markets like Thailand and Malaysia, where GWM has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the automotive industry, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and a clear strategic business vision. I am ready to utilize my marketing expertise and work alongside the talented marketing team to further elevate the brand’s image, expand the customer base, and drive remarkable success for GWM in Thailand, Malaysia and the ASEAN region,” said Mr. Vudhigorn.
He graduated as a mechanical engineer in 1981 and started his professional journey in the automotive industry with Toyota Motor Thailand. He had been in various roles in sales, marketing, and aftersales service, eventually rising to the top position as Executive Vice President to oversee Toyota Motor Thailand’s marketing, public relations, and sales.
“Drawing upon my expertise in strategic marketing planning and business expansion, I am committed to contributing to the development and launch of GWM’s product lineup that showcases its potential and innovative prowess to customers across the ASEAN region. Together with the talented marketing team across borders, we will leverage customer insights, leverage digital technologies, and implement customer-centric campaigns to drive brand awareness, increase market share, and create memorable experiences for our valued customers. I am dedicated to reinforcing GWM’s position as a trusted and preferred electric vehicle brand in Thailand, Malaysia and the wider ASEAN market,” he stressed.
In Thailand, GWM’s xEV models such as the HAVAL H6 Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid SUV, HAVAL JOLION Hybrid SUV, ORA GOOD CAT, have achieved exceptional growth, with a 214% increase in total sales to 11,616 vehicles in 2022 (compared to the previous year). GWM is also planning to introduce at least 3 new models to the Thai market this year to cater to the diverse demands and preferences of Thai customers. 
In Malaysia, GWM continues to drive strong growth with the ORA GOOD CAT EV. It is also planning the launch of 2 new models here i.e. HAVAL H6, the top-selling SUV, and the GWM CANNON pickup. 
As part of its global expansion strategy, GWM has extended its reach to the ASEAN region. This year, GWM implemented the ‘ONE GWM’ business model for its international operations, emphasising its leadership in the xEV segment and elevating the brand’s reputation on a global scale. This comprehensive strategy encompasses various marketing initiatives, effective communication strategies, and the establishment of a strong global partnership network.
