The plant, with a maximum annual production capacity of 120,000 vehicles, is currently producing and marketing three models developed based on SGMW's best-sellers in China.

Zhou Xing, marketing director of SGMW, said one in two mid-size SUVs sold in the country is from the carmaker.

"Our Almaz is the biggest rival of Honda's C-RV in the country," said Zhou in an interview ahead of the new logo's debut.

The new Wuling MPV, which is named Victory, is the first model to bear the new logo. It will be made in China and sold globally. Zhou said a number of other models are in the pipeline, including an SUV and a sedan.

In April, SGMW exported 5,000 vehicles, up 102 percent from the same month last year.