GAC Motor looks to developed markets

The developed North American and European auto markets will play a key role for GAC Motor to upgrade its quality as well as its brand, according to the president of the major Chinese automaker, Yu Jun.

"Following the establishment of a sales network in 14 countries and regions, we are considering bringing our vehicles to the North American and European markets," Yu said.

According to the business leader, some high-end varieties of GAC Motor's vehicles will enter the North American market no later than 2019.

"In the developed auto markets, Chinese homegrown cars are less popular in terms of brand. We are making efforts to boost the image of Chinese cars in the overseas market," said Yu.

GAC Motor, a subsidiary of the Guangzhou Automobile Group, has been rapidly expanding its presence in the domestic market since its establishment in 2008, as part of its strategy to develop into a world-class carmaker.

"We are building a world-class system in terms of production, sales and technological research and development, which will ensure high quality and design for our products, aiming to produce vehicles that keep pace with leading international brands," Yu said.

The Guangzhou-based automaker has realized an annual compound growth rate of more than 85 percent for six consecutive years, according to Yu.

"All the procedures in sales and production are well underway as we aim to bring our vehicles up to local requirements in the developed markets," he added.

Traditionally, Chinese homegrown automakers pay more attention to markets in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

"The developed markets have a higher demand for high-quality vehicles," Yu said.

"We are challenging the status quo, in that we are aiming to expand Chinese brands in the overseas market."

(China Daily 11/21/2017 page7)