Latest Chinese arrival GAC confirms its Aussie launch timing

The Chinese auto giant Guangzhou Auto Group Company (GAC) has confirmed its Australian launch will now happen in November. It will arrive with three models and substantial growth plans.

GAC’s confirmation of its arrival timing – set back slightly from the earlier plan to launch in October – was made by a relatively brief announcement that confirmed the three launch vehicles and little else.

But there’s been some bold pronouncements made previously that make it clear state-owned GAC is coming to make an impact.

It is a rival for BYD and Geely in China and plans to be vying with them as a top 10 sales player in Australia within a few years.

The Australian launch will do that with a rapid expansion of its line-up to at least eight models by 2027 including an all-important ute.

It will also expand its dealer network rapidly from the 30 dealers it is expected to launch with.

Manager of GAC Australia, Cheney Liang said the launch 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

“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.”

GAC was originally going to be rolled out in Australia via its Aion EV brand by an independent distributor, but stepped away from that plan this year and has swapped to a factory-owned set-up.

That means models for Australia will be drawn from across GAC brands Aion, Trumpchi and Hyptec.

In China, the 4605mm-long Aion V is powered by e-motors producing 150kW/240Nm or 165kW/240Nm fed by a choice of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs. It sits on GAC’s AEP EV platform and has a 400V electric architecture.

In Australia, a 510km rated range is being targeted. Five star ANCAP safety ratings will also be a focus for GAC in Australia.

The Trumpchi-sourced Emzoom – or GS3 – is a 4410mm-long compact SUV with a 130kW turbo-petrol engine that lines up against the likes of the Chery Tiggo 4.

The GAC M8 people-mover measures up at 5212mm-long and is powered by a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain that claims a 120km EV range according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

Now we await the details of what GAC has on offer. Where will its vehicles be priced and how well will they be warrantied?

Initial indications are that both will be very competitive.

And of course, are GAC vehicles actually any good?

GAC is touting its joint-ventures with Toyota and Honda and its international design centres in Milan, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as Guangzhou, as proof of its product maturity and international competitiveness.

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