GAC confirms New Zealand entry with December launch

Chinese automotive manufacturer GAC has announced its official entry into the New Zealand market, with a three-model launch scheduled for December 2025.

Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co. will debut locally with a diverse lineup spanning petrol, battery electric vehicle (BEV), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains, according to a company announcement.

GAC is China’s fifth-largest vehicle manufacturer, producing and selling over two million vehicles annually. The company’s global portfolio includes three brands – Aion, GAC Trumpchi (exclusive to China), and Hyptec, known for its high-performance SSR supercar.

All models sold in New Zealand will be marketed under the unified GAC nameplate, the company says.

Three-model launch lineup

The Aion V will lead GAC’s New Zealand launch as a mid-size electric SUV. The model features a 150kW motor with up to 510km WLTP range and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds. Its 75kWh battery supports rapid DC charging in 24 minutes.

The GS3 Emzoom will serve as GAC’s compact petrol-powered SUV offering. It is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivering 125kW of power and 270Nm of torque.

Completing the launch lineup is the M8, a luxurious seven-seat plug-in hybrid people mover. The model combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a PHEV system for a combined output of 274kW and 630Nm. Its 25.57kWh battery provides up to 106km of electric-only driving range under WLTC testing.

GAC has confirmed plans to expand its New Zealand lineup with three additional models in 2026, though specific details have not been disclosed.

Final specifications and pricing for the December launch models will be released closer to the launch date.