GAC Motor expanding overseas market by focusing on quality

From right: Yu Jun, general manager of GAC Motor; Rod Alberts, executive director of 2017 North American International Auto Show; Feng Xingya, president of GAC Group; Zhang Qingsong, deputy general manager of GAC Group and Wang Qiujing, president of GAC Engineering at the world premiere of GS7. Photos Provided to China Daily

GAC Motor, a subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group, plans to bring more high-quality vehicles to global consumers as it expands its brand internationally, according to a senior company executive.

"We are building a world-class system for auto manufacturing, ensuring the high quality of products. Our pursuit for producing the best cars is consistently reflected in every car we manufacture," said Yu Jun, general manager of GAC Motor.

Yu made the remarks on Tuesday as the company unveiled three innovative new vehicles at the 2017 North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The new models include GAC Motor's first electric vehicle, the GE3, its new SUV GS7 and the concept car EnSpirit, all of which are attracting significant attention from global media and industrial professionals, according to the company.

"The US has one of the most developed auto industries in the world, with a hundred years of history and culture. People have reached a social consensus in the essential attributes of cars and high-quality auto products have very broad market space here," said Yu.

The NAIAS, a global stage for companies to debut brand-defining vehicles and technologies, attracts hordes of the world's top automotive and technology executives, designers, engineers and thought leaders.

As the only Chinese company to showcase its models at the 2017 NAIAS, which runs from Jan 8 to 22, GAC Motor has demonstrated innovative thinking in auto manufacturing and environmental awareness in engineering, according to Yu.

GAC Motor made its world premiere at the 2015 NAIAS when it debuted its now bestselling GS4, proving itself as a world-class auto brand that strives to meet the expectations of consumers around the world.

"We are committed to providing the best-value products and services to global consumers, by offering internationally competitive research and development, a worldwide sourcing and supply chain, global manufacturing, and overseas marketing and service systems," said Yu.

International growth

The company has established sales and service networks in 14 countries and regions, as it expands further in the international market, according to Yu.

The company launched sales of its star SUV model, the GS4, in Bahrain and Nigeria in December. It tripled the number of cars sold in Bahrain a year after entering the market in October 2015, to become the best-selling Chinese auto brand in the Middle East.

Centered around its engineering institute, GAC Motor has expanded a global automotive R&D network, supported by the company's technology center, top global suppliers and research institutes.

The company's North American R&D center, which will be responsible for talent cultivation and advanced technology, is due to launch in the first half of 2017, helping the company to achieve yet further global outreach, according to Yu.

He said GAC Motor plans to launch sales of its vehicles in the North American market in 2018 after completing market surveys, obtaining local certification and regulation and communicating with potential dealers.

Citing the company's strength in technology research, Yu said that GAC Motor has gained the trust of more than 800,000 car owners worldwide.

"By adhering to high international standards in product quality and establishing world-class car manufacturing systems, we will continue to bring our brand to more consumers globally with new products and services," said Yu.

GAC Motor was established in 2008. It has achieved a more than 80 percent average compound annual growth rate for six consecutive years from 2011 to 2016, according to company reports.

In 2016 alone, GAC Motor Motor sold 380,000 vehicles, a 96 percent year-on-year increase, making it the fastest-growing auto brand in China.

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn

New arrival

GS7

GAC Motor's new 5-seat SUV GS7 is a high-power vehicle with intelligent technology created for consumers seeking fashionable design and a carefree riding experience. Powered by GAC's brand new G-Series 2.0T engine, the mid-sized SUV model achieves 0-100 kilometers per hour in 9.5 seconds, while ensuring sportiness and maximizing the vehicle's performance in all driving conditions.

EnSpirit

This plug-in hybrid crossover concept car features a forward-leaning stance and iconic fastback. It combines the best sedan, SUV and convertible characteristics to propose an attitude and lifestyle of freedom, progress and fun. Asian Zen culture is incorporated into the EnSpirit, contributing to the vehicle's strong visual impact alongside a younger, more refreshing lifestyle concept.

GE3

A new model, with a clean "low-poly" shaped design, is the first electric vehicle developed on GAC Motor's new energy platform, aiming to bring a friendly and intelligent driving experience. The GE3 brings new possibilities in future mobility, with fast and convenient charging service. Its longest travel distance is 310 km for a single full charge.

(China Daily 01/12/2017 page14)