Aussie-focused GAC ute planned for 2027 with PHEV power
Australia’s newest car brand outlines plans to join the pick-up fray with its own dual-cab uteThe News
GAC has confirmed it’s working at pace to bring a ute to Australia, and that it will offer a PHEV option when it arrives in 2027.
The Key Details
- Emissions regulations forcing GAC to develop updated powertrains for utes
- Towing, payload are a big part of the planning process
- Existing light EVs in GAC portfolio under consideration
- PHEV ute likely to land in 2027
The Finer Details
GAC has acknowledged the importance of adding a dual-cab ute to its small but growing roster of cars, and its international director, Wei Haigang, told carsales the company is working to roll out a bespoke pick-up for the Australian market by 2027.
“For GAC currently we both have the pick-up with fuel and also with the electricity,” he said via an interpreter.
“And for the pick-ups with the fuel, we’re launching them in the countries with lower [emissions] requirements.
“For Australian markets, we are making the preparation and welcome to launch new-energy [PHEV] versions into Australian market. So that will be maybe 2027.”
It’s unlikely the ute will take the form of the wild Pickup 01 concept that was revealed earlier this year, though it may well be produced for other markets, including its homeland of China.
“We have also learned that there is high requirement for power and for towing capabilities,” Wei said.
“We are also going to do the specific research and develop the products which can meet the requirements of the Australian market.”
He also alluded to opportunities in the large SUV space; a Toyota Kluger-rivalling GAC S7 five-seat SUV was on display at the company’s launch event this week and confirmed to be under evaluation for right-hand-drive development.
Other EVs, including small passenger cars, are also under consideration as the brand looks to fill out its roster.
“When we introduce our cars here, we want to provide the models with high technology, with good performance and excellent interior and exterior, but with a very competitive price,” Wei said.
The Road Ahead
While more EVs are expected to drop in 2026, don’t expect to see a dual-cab ute until 2027.
GAC’s three initial models – the EMZOOM small SUV, AION V mid-sized EV SUV and M8 PHEV people carrier – are all now on sale.
* Lead image generated by AI
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