What is GAC? A look inside the latest Chinese brand to set up shop in NZ
Words: Andrew Sluys
If you aren’t familiar with GAC (pronounced G – A – C), you probably aren’t alone, but if you are in the market for an affordable vehicle, that will likely soon change.
GAC stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co, and it’s China’s fifth-largest vehicle manufacturer.
Last year, the brand produced more than 2.6-million vehicles, which was reportedly double its year-on-year figure.
As well as producing millions of its own vehicles each year, GAC is also the largest automotive partner of Toyota and Honda.
GAC employs more than 80,000 people in China, which encompasses its team of engineers, which is more than 6,000 strong.
The company’s global portfolio includes three brands – Aion, GAC Trumpchi, and Hyptec – but it will stick to selling cars beneath the GAC badge in New Zealand to keep things simple.
Earlier this week, GAC held an official launch event at its East Tamaki sales and service centre, with a number of New Zealand and Chinese dignitaries in attendance.
According to Donny Zhang, General Manager of GAC New Zealand, this dealership is just one of five already up and running around the country. Other locations include Auckland North Shore, Hamilton, Tauranga and Christchurch.
The stars of the show at the launch event were the three new vehicles GAC is introducing to the country with a $2,000 introductory offer.
The line-up starts with the GSM Emzoom, which is a compact petrol-powered SUV starting from $29,990. Then there’s the Aion V, a compact electric SUV at $47,990.
And GAC’s flagship model in New Zealand is the M8, which is a plug-in hybrid MPV that starts from $83,990.
