Another Chinese car brand is setting up shop in New Zealand. GAC Motor (aka Trumpchi in China) is about to dot down here, following the appointment of a local head. The brand is looking to expand globally into RHD markets.
Erjin Bao, also known as David, announced on LinkedIn today his appointment as national manager.
Bao says he is excited about his new role, a significant change from his previous positions in sales, most recently at Andrew Simms, Botany.
“I’m excited to share that I have joined GAC Motor as the National Manager. I look forward to this new journey and the opportunities to contribute to the brand’s growth and success. I am grateful for the support from my colleagues and mentors along the way. And also excited for what’s ahead!”
GAC, which partners with Toyota in China, had already indicated a mid-2025 arrival in Australia with its Aion range of electric and hybrid SUVs.
It has been a busy year for new Chinese brands already, with Leapmotor landing production vehicles, smart about to return to the market, and Deepal rumoured to arrive here later in the year.
GAC Motor (which stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co., Ltd.) is sometimes simply referred to as GAC.
The Chinese car maker was founded in 2008, and has headquarters in Guangzhou. Wholly owned by the GAC Group, it focuses on making complete vehicles, auto parts, and related trading services.
GAC Motor made its first foray into overseas markets in 2013. As of November 2021, it is active in the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. It is now taking steps towards introducing its line-up to markets such as Australasia. Evidently a new plant in Thailand will build its EVs for our market.
Currently, it produces electric and hybrid SUVs under the Aion banner. The name is a mix of AI and On (AI On the road). Initially, expect to see an electric RAV4-sized Aion SUV, the V, and perhaps also an MG4 electric hatch rival (Hyper HT 3). A RHD version of the HyperSSR electric supercar is also an outside possibility.
