Latest news with #GACMotor
NZ Autocar
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Sean Tupp is the national sales manager for GAC Motor NZ
Sean Tupp today announced his appointment as national sales manager for GAC Motor NZ. Tupp has 25 years of managerial experience in the motor industry. The new Chinese brand set up shop here in February 2025. Back then it said Erjin (David) Bao was the new brand's national manager for New Zealand. Tupp began his career at Ford New Zealand, then moved to the Giltrap Group-owned European Motor Distributors. There he climbed the ranks from sales manager at Volkswagen to general manager of the Skoda brand. He also became the sales GM for Holden New Zealand before moving into management roles at MG Motor New Zealand and most recently GWM Haval Australia and New Zealand. GAC Motor, short for Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co., Ltd., is a Chinese car manufacturer that was founded in 2008. It has headquarters in Guangzhou. Wholly owned by GAC Group, it focuses on making vehicles, auto parts, and is involved in related trading services. Its first offering will likely be the Aion 5 SUV, and should launch here before year end. As of November 2021, GAC Motor is represented in the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. In addition, the company has set up distributors in several countries. GAC Motor has partnered with major international manufacturers, such as Toyota. It is now taking steps to introduce its line-up—including electric and hybrid SUVs under the Aion banner—to markets including Australia (slated for mid-2025) and New Zealand.
News24
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- News24
GAC Motor's lifetime engine warranty redefines SA car market
GAC Motor South Africa is entering 2025 with bold energy, a customer-first mindset, and a series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to solidify its position as a major player in the South African automotive market. With strategic price reductions, a historic industry-first warranty, new model launches, and dealer network expansion, GAC Motor is rewriting the rules of engagement in the industry — offering exceptional value, innovation, and quality to the South African consumer. Driving Change with Transparent Pricing In a move that underscores its commitment to transparency and customer-centric values, GAC Motor South Africa has announced a strategic price reduction on two of its most popular models — the GAC Emzoom and GAC Emkoo. This significant pricing realignment is not a promotional gimmick but rather a result of improved foreign exchange conditions and global cost-saving efficiencies that the company has opted to pass directly to consumers. 'Our customers deserve to benefit from favourable market conditions,' says Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of GAC Motor South Africa. 'This price drop reflects our investment in the market and our belief in long-term, honest relationships with our consumers and partners.' As of January 2025, the new retail pricing is: · Emzoom Comfort: R419,900 · Emzoom Executive: R439,900 · Emzoom R-Style: R489,900 · Emkoo Executive: R519,900 · Emkoo Executive Plus: R559,900 This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to increase accessibility and value, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the South African market. A Warranty That Redefines Industry Standards Taking customer confidence to a new level, GAC Motor South Africa recently unveiled an i ndustry-first Lifetime Engine Warranty across its entire vehicle lineup. This groundbreaking offer covers an unlimited number of years and mileage for the original vehicle owner, provided the car is serviced at authorised GAC Motor service centres using approved parts. This bold warranty initiative not only sets a new benchmark in customer service but also reflects GAC Motor's confidence in the quality, durability, and craftsmanship of its vehicles. It's a move designed to inspire trust and long-term loyalty among South African drivers. 'This warranty is a powerful promise — a declaration of the confidence we have in our products,' says Ramsoomar. 'It's about peace of mind, lifelong value, and building a brand that people can truly believe in.' GAC Motor is also expanding its model range to meet the evolving needs of South African drivers. Among the most anticipated new arrivals are the Aion Y electric crossover SUV and the all-new GAC Motor M8, both combining advanced technology with refined design. Additionally, new derivatives across existing models will offer drivers more choices to match their lifestyles. In alignment with global trends towards green mobility, GAC Motor will also introduce Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and fully Electric Vehicles (EVs) in South Africa during 2025 — showcasing the company's forward-thinking approach to sustainability without compromising on performance. Beyond its product lineup, GAC Motor is heavily investing in its national dealership network, growing from 28 to a projected 40 dealerships by the end of 2025. This expansion ensures that more South Africans will have access not just to vehicles, but also to GAC's comprehensive aftersales service and support. A Vision for the Future, Built on Innovation and Trus t As part of the Salvador Caetano Group, GAC Motor South Africa benefits from global expertise, including access to six international R&D centres and t hree state-of-the-art production facilities. This robust innovation infrastructure fuels the brand's ability to deliver high-quality, reliable, and forward-thinking vehicles for the South African market. 'We're entering a very exciting phase,' says Brian Smith, Marketing Director for GAC Motor South Africa. 'Our developments for 2025 reflect a long-term strategy focused on offering South Africans more choice, better value, and unmatched peace of mind.' Looking Ahead As GAC Motor South Africa ramps up its market presence with competitive pricing, innovative products, and customer-focused warranties, the brand is poised to transform the automotive landscape. It's not just about selling cars — it's about building a community of drivers who value innovation, trust, and quality at every turn. For more information, visit or contact your nearest GAC Motor dealership.
Hi Dubai
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hi Dubai
Gargash Motors Launches 2026 GAC GS8 Hybrid and Traveler at Dubai Autodrome Experience
Gargash Motors, one of the UAE's most prominent automotive distributors, hosted an exclusive media and influencer event to unveil the highly anticipated 2026 GAC GS8 Hybrid and Traveler editions. The showcase brought to life the model's refined power, intelligent features, and uncompromising comfort in an immersive on and off road experience at the Dubai Autodrome. Set against the dynamic backdrop of one of the region's premier driving venues, the event gave guests the opportunity to explore the GS8's versatility across contrasting terrains. The day began with an off-road session, where the all-new GS8 Traveller edition tackled a purpose-built course with ease, showcasing its rugged engineering and all-terrain capability. This was followed by an on-track performance test of the Petrol and Hybrid editions, where attendees experienced firsthand the SUV's precise handling, responsive acceleration, and advanced driver-assist technologies. The 2026 GS8 introduces three distinctive trims—Petrol, Hybrid, and Traveller—each crafted to meet the evolving lifestyles of today's drivers. The Petrol and Hybrid models debut with a refreshed exterior featuring an extended grille and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Traveller edition, designed for adventure, distinguishes itself with bold off-road styling, a chrome-accented grille, and a functional rear utility box. Under the hood, the Petrol and Traveller variants are powered by a 2.0TGDI engine delivering 248 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. The Hybrid model features GAC Motor's next-generation 2.0TM Mega Wave THS System, delivering the same performance output while offering exceptional fuel efficiency. Multiple drive modes—including ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Off-Road—ensure optimized performance across varied terrain with intelligent adaptability. Inside, the GS8 offers a spacious and technology-rich seven-seat cabin, crafted for refined comfort. Premium features include tri-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats with memory and massage functions (in the Hybrid edition), and an integrated fragrance system with ambient lighting—elements typically reserved for luxury flagship SUVs. Safety remains a top priority, with a full airbag system and advanced ESP technology for enhanced peace of mind. Technology takes center stage with a 14.6-inch HD touchscreen offering seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, supported by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. An Alpine premium sound system and wireless charging pad cater to the connectivity and entertainment needs of the modern driver. The 2026 GS8 range offers unmatched value within the premium SUV segment. The Traveller edition is priced from AED 139,900, the Petrol variant from AED 149,900, and the Hybrid from AED 169,900. Each model is backed by a comprehensive 10-year warranty and is available in a range of striking exterior colours—Black, White, Dark Green, Silver, and Grey—complemented by interior options in Camel, White, or Black. Morgan Sunderland, General Manager of Gargash Motors GAC, commented: With the launch of the new 2026 GS8, we are proud to introduce, for the first time, three distinct variants—each crafted to deliver luxury and performance tailored to different lifestyles. The Traveller is designed for adventure seekers who demand capability without compromising on comfort. The Hybrid combines intelligent innovation with exceptional fuel efficiency and sustainability for the forward-thinking driver. And the petrol variant offers refined power and everyday versatility. This immersive experience was created to showcase the GS8's full potential across urban roads, highways, and rugged terrains—bringing to life the spirit of exploration and elevated driving at the heart of the GAC Motor brand. Mark Zhang, General Manager of GAC Motor International Middle East added, The Middle East remains a strategic market for GAC Motor, and the launch of the new GS8 underscores our commitment to delivering premium SUVs that align with the region's evolving lifestyle and mobility needs. The GS8 blends bold design with intelligent features and practical versatility, making it a strong fit for drivers across the UAE. News Source: Buz Marketing Agency
Mail & Guardian
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
The GAC GS3 Emzoom is a refreshing and a different offering in a flooded SUV market
Sporty and stylish: The GAC Emzoom is a refreshing addition to the compact SUV market. It might come to the point where we lose track of how many Chinese brands there are in South Africa. We might even begin to lose track of how many compact SUVs are in the market because it has become congested with them. Chinese brand GAC Motor entered two SUV models into the South African market in the middle of 2024: the Emzoom and the Emkoo. In typical fashion, both cars looked good and came with all the fancy technology that we have become accustomed to getting in Chinese cars. The Mail & Guardian got behind the wheel of the Emzoom, which is available in three variants: Comfort, Executive and R-Style. We were lucky enough to get the top-of-the-range R-Style model and I was pleasantly surprised. I knew that the exterior and interior were going to be appealing, because Chinese manufacturers always put a lot of emphasis on bringing out a neat product. However, I did find some styling similarities with BMWs. For starters, on the R-Line trim, the black grille gets three gold panels, much like some BMWs, which have M-specific colours on their grilles. The colour coding on the inside also provided some similarities. The same blue plastics you see around the aircon vents in BMWs are present in the Emzoom R-Style. This is probably because Thomas Schemera, who has held key roles at both BMW M and Hyundai, is now the chief operating officer and senior vice president of GAC International. Alongside the ambient lighting inside the Emzoom, the air conditioning and volume dials also get a rainbow light around them. These style features give the car a fun and sporty atmosphere. Manufacturers sometimes try too hard to make compact SUVs feel luxurious with fancy screens, decked out interiors and the absence of buttons. While the Emzoom still has the fancy screens and is decked out, it doesn't aim for a luxurious interior, but rather something that boosts adrenaline. The Emzoom comes with the standard 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine that we are accustomed to getting in Chinese compact SUVs. Paired with a dual-clutch transmission gearbox, it will deliver 130kW of power and 270Nm of torque. The coolest feature of the car is the exhaust system which is designed to produce sound through 'active exhaust valves'. These can be toggled between open and closed, allowing for a louder and more sporty sound when open, especially in the sport mode. It adds to the fun feel the Emzoom was meant to have. You could actually fool people into thinking you were driving a sports car. But this feature also has a downside. I became obsessed with the exhaust sound, continually putting the car into sport mode. This exposed the sensitivity of the accelerator, making the car move too quickly. This is not ideal when navigating into tight parking spots or even pulling into your garage. Besides that, the Emzoom provides excellent handling and effortlessly picks up speed when you need it to. I experienced some turbo-lag, but it was not bad at all. It didn't make the vehicle feel unresponsive. The other downside is the fuel consumption. This is a pretty compact vehicle and, while GAC claims a consumption figure of 6.2 litres/100km, I averaged 8.1 litres/100km. Overall, I really enjoyed the GAC GS3 Emzoom. It felt different and refreshing. I loved the fact that GAC went all out in making it a fun and sporty experience without producing a performance monster. You get everything you need — and the lovely exhaust sound as a bonus but, in a flooded SUV market, it is difficult to say whether the Emzoom will make a splash. Pricing GS3 EMZOOM 1.5L T Comfort — from: R419 900 GS3 EMZOOM 1.5L T Executive — from: R439 900 GS3 EMZOOM 1.5L T R-Style — from: R489 900
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
GAC Motor South Africa Accelerates into 2025 with Bold Innovation and Industry-First Moves
GAC Motor South Africa is entering 2025 with bold energy, a customer-first mindset, and a series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to solidify its position as a major player in the South African automotive market. With strategic price reductions, a historic industry-first warranty, new model launches, and dealer network expansion, GAC Motor is rewriting the rules of engagement in the industry — offering exceptional value, innovation, and quality to the South African consumer. Driving Change with Transparent Pricing In a move that underscores its commitment to transparency and customer-centric values, GAC Motor South Africa has announced a strategic price reduction on two of its most popular models — the GAC Emzoom and GAC Emkoo. This significant pricing realignment is not a promotional gimmick but rather a result of improved foreign exchange conditions and global cost-saving efficiencies that the company has opted to pass directly to consumers. 'Our customers deserve to benefit from favourable market conditions,' says Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of GAC Motor South Africa. 'This price drop reflects our investment in the market and our belief in long-term, honest relationships with our consumers and partners.' As of January 2025, the new retail pricing is: Emzoom Comfort : R419,900 Emzoom Executive : R439,900 Emzoom R-Style : R489,900 Emkoo Executive : R519,900 Emkoo Executive Plus : R559,900 This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to increase accessibility and value, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the South African market. A Warranty That Redefines Industry Standards Taking customer confidence to a new level, GAC Motor South Africa recently unveiled an industry-first Lifetime Engine Warranty across its entire vehicle lineup. This groundbreaking offer covers an unlimited number of years and mileage for the original vehicle owner, provided the car is serviced at authorised GAC Motor service centres using approved parts. This bold warranty initiative not only sets a new benchmark in customer service but also reflects GAC Motor's confidence in the quality, durability, and craftsmanship of its vehicles. It's a move designed to inspire trust and long-term loyalty among South African drivers. 'This warranty is a powerful promise — a declaration of the confidence we have in our products,' says Ramsoomar. 'It's about peace of mind, lifelong value, and building a brand that people can truly believe in.'
