Another Chinese brand about to hit town

Warning. There’s another Chinese brand on the way.

GAC is set to launch in the Australian market later this month, bringing what it describes as “next-generation” vehicles to local roads for the first time.

A pioneer in quality, sustainability and design, GAC will make its local debut with three models, each offering advanced safety, cutting-edge powertrains and premium features.

The Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) is a Chinese state-owned car maker based in Guangzhou, Guangdong.

It was the fifth largest automobile manufacturer in China, with 2.144 million sales in 2021.

Its the predecessor the Tongsheng Machining Plant was founded in 1948.

GAC was keen to expand into the United States, but these plans have been put on hold indefinitely as a result of President Trump’s trade war with China.

Looks their loss is our gain.

Leading GAC’s launch is the all-electric Aion V, a bold, tech-packed mid-size SUV powered by advanced electrical architecture.

It’s joined by the M8 PHEV, a sophisticated seven-seat MPV that delivers luxury, smart connectivity, and effortless comfort — ideal for families and professionals alike.

M8 bears more than a passing resemblance to the Toyota Granvia/Lexus LM people mover (Granvia has been discontinued).

Finally, the marque’s compact-SUV – Emzoom – completes the brand’s initial array of offerings.

GAC’s arrival will put further pressure on established brands, with a smaller share of a shrinking pie.

While new to Australia, GAC is steeped in industry expertise.

By leveraging partnerships with global leaders such as Toyota and Honda, alongside its own R&D achievements, the company has established world-class manufacturing capabilities and a comprehensive multi-energy portfolio of vehicles.

Built on world-class technologies and shaped by a global network of modern design centres — from Milan and Los Angeles to Shanghai and Guangzhou — GAC’s range reflects the innovation and ambition driving one of the world’s fastest-growing carmakers.

GAC’s Cheney Liang said: the launch of GAC in Australia is an exceptional milestone for the brand.

“I have no doubt that Australian customers will welcome our range of high-quality, innovative models with keen interest, and become accustomed to the elevated ownership experience we are set to offer,” he said.

“Beyond our commitment to delivering exceptional products, our team is passionate about building meaningful relationships with our customers, dealers, industry and the broader community here in Australia, and we can’t wait to get started.”

 

M8 PHEV

 

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About Chris Riley

Chris Riley has been a journalist for 40 years. He has spent half of his career as a writer, editor and production editor in newspapers, the rest of the time driving and writing about cars both in print and online. His love affair with cars began as a teenager with the purchase of an old VW Beetle, followed by another Beetle and a string of other cars on which he has wasted too much time and money. A self-confessed geek, he’s not afraid to ask the hard questions - at the risk of sounding silly.
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