China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) is making its mark on the Australian market this month, bringing with it a trio of ready-to-roll vehicles and a strategic focus on right-hand drive models. While GAC is primarily known for dominating the massive left-hand drive Chinese market – they sold over 2 million cars there in 2024 alone – the company has proven savvy in targeting diverse markets globally.
Instead of adapting its well-established Chinese brands Aion, GAC Trumpchi, and Hyptec for Australia, GAC will unify its offerings under a single banner: GAC. This streamlined approach simplifies brand recognition as they launch with an SUV trifecta: a gasoline-powered GS3 Emzoom (similar in size to the Nissan Qashqai), a fully electric Aion V (competing with the Toyota RAV4), and a plug-in hybrid E9 people mover.
But this is just the beginning. GAC Australia’s deputy general manager, Cheney Liang, emphasizes that they already have several right-hand drive models in their global arsenal. These include diverse EVs ranging from sedans to luxurious SUVs with distinctive gull-wing doors – as evidenced by GAC’s Thai lineup.
This advantage stems from GAC’s foresight in designing vehicles on a “global platform” adaptable to both left and right-hand drive configurations. Unlike some Western automakers that limit their Australian options due to exclusively left-hand drive production, GAC can leverage economies of scale to offer a wider selection.
The company’s ambitions are clear: cracking the top ten best-selling brands in Australia by 2030. To achieve this, they’re prioritizing SUVs – a rapidly growing segment with waning interest in traditional hatchbacks and sedans. Beyond the initial three models, GAC plans to introduce another unnamed SUV and a dual-cab ute by 2027, ultimately aiming for an eight-model lineup by 2029.
This strategy positions GAC to capitalize on Australia’s competitive market while showcasing their commitment to offering diverse, technologically advanced vehicles.
