North America dealers eager to partner China's fast-growing GAC Motor

GAC Motor, one of China's fastest-growing automakers, debuted its lineup of domestic best-selling vehicles at the National Automobile Dealers Association Show in the United States to an overwhelmingly positive response.

It also held a dealer gathering to attract potential partners for establishing a dealership network in North America.

"The NADA show has surpassed our expectations," said Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor.

Senior executives of GAC Motor and participants gather at the GS8 booth during the event. Photos Provided to China Daily

"We have met hundreds of US dealers who have expressed genuine interest in working with us as we will launch sales of our vehicles in the North American market in the fourth quarter of 2019."

GAC Motor displayed a lineup of its models including the GS8 and GS4 SUVs, the GA4 sedan and the GM8 minivan, which attracted interest from international dealers.

NADA, which was first launched in 1917, is a premium auto show for international dealers and automakers.

"Coming to the NADA show is a perfect start for GAC Motor to build partnerships and develop our dealership network in the North American market," Yu said.

GAC Motor, established in 2008, is the first Chinese automaker to participate in NADA in the event's history.

This year's show was held in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 23 to 25.

"The high-quality vehicles highlight our latest achievements in independent research and development and cutting-edge technologies," Yu said.

Based in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, GAC Motor has ranked No 1 among all Chinese brands for five consecutive years in JD Power Asia Pacific's China Initial Quality Study.

The study focuses on the development and manufacturing of premium quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories.

Yu welcomed more than 150 distinguished guests at GAC Motor's dealer gathering on the Friday night.

Dealers who attended the event said there are a lot of details to be worked out on how the brand would operate in the US, what facility standards would have to be met and how often vehicles would be added to the lineup.

During the event, GAC Motor reached preliminary intent of cooperation agreements with multiple dealers representing distribution channels across North America.

Some of the dealers said they were fascinated by the possibility of having a new brand in the US that had a proven record in its home country.

GAC Motor is expected to be the first new car brand to enter the US market in 20 years. Many others present at the event spoke highly of GAC Motor and sent their goodwill to the Guangzhou carmaker.

They held an upbeat analysis of GAC Motor's market prospect in the US and said that they are looking forward to seeing GAC Motor cars running on roads and streets in the US in 2019. GAC Motor has delivered solid market performances in countries involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative, which was proposed in 2013 aiming to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.

"GAC Motor is committed to mutual achievements with our staff, our customers and the communities where we live and work. We respect different cultures in different markets across the globe," Yu said. The company plans to establish sales centers in North America and China's Hong Kong in the first half of 2018, according to the GAC Motor president.

Special models will be designed for the US market, aiming to meet local environmental protection standards and satisfy the demands of local customers.

The company has also set up research and development centers in Silicon Valley, Detroit and Los Angeles, to specialize in cutting-edge technology.

With a focus of breaking into the mid to high-end market and a customer-centered R&D strategy, GAC Motor is constructing a world-class auto manufacturing system.

The automaker is integrating its global R&D network, production capacity and supply chain to upgrade consumers' mobile lifestyle through innovations in technology, products and services, according to Yu. GAC Motor has so far established its sales and service network covering 14 countries and regions in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, East Europe, Africa and North America.

The company sold 508,600 vehicles in 2017, a year-on-year increase of 37 percent.

In the first two months of 2018, GAC Motor's sales increased 20.3 percent year-on-year to 95,136 cars, according to a company source.

"We are young and it means we are willing to learn and are continually striving for progress," Yu said.

"We value long-term partnerships with our dealers, and we value mutual achievement with our customers, and our local partners."