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Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC) made a big splash at the Detroit Auto Show this year with a number of models destined for the U.S. The plan at the time was to begin talking with dealers at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in March, with sales to follow early next year. But GAC has postponed plans of coming to the U.S. due to the trade war. In a statement issued to Bloomberg, GAC said “the escalation of China-U.S. trade frictions” and distribution “uncertainties” had made them decide to put their plans on hold. It's unclear how long this postponement will last, but it will likely be some months - maybe years. Many Chinese automakers have made pronouncements to sell vehicles in the U.S. for over a decade, with none coming to shore. As Automotive News notes, Chinese Automaker Zotye as recently as this month was still recruiting dealers and planning to begin sales in the U.S. late next year. Bloomberg reached out to other Chinese automakers, Great Wall: No immediate comment on whether or not it plans on adjusting its plans to coming to the U.S. Lynk & Co. (under the Geely umbrella): Spokesperson said they are "evaluating" plans for North America Source: Bloomberg, Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC) made a big splash at the Detroit Auto Show this year with a number of models destined for the U.S. The plan at the time was to begin talking with dealers at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in March, with sales to follow early next year. But GAC has postponed plans of coming to the U.S. due to the trade war. In a statement issued to Bloomberg, GAC said “the escalation of China-U.S. trade frictions” and distribution “uncertainties” had made them decide to put their plans on hold. It's unclear how long this postponement will last, but it will likely be some months - maybe years. Many Chinese automakers have made pronouncements to sell vehicles in the U.S. for over a decade, with none coming to shore. As Automotive News notes, Chinese Automaker Zotye as recently as this month was still recruiting dealers and planning to begin sales in the U.S. late next year. Bloomberg reached out to other Chinese automakers, Great Wall: No immediate comment on whether or not it plans on adjusting its plans to coming to the U.S. Lynk & Co. (under the Geely umbrella): Spokesperson said they are "evaluating" plans for North America Source: Bloomberg, Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article -
We have heard countless promises and teases from various Chinese automakers about entering the U.S. market. But one automaker appears to be making a serious effort to make it a reality. Last week at the Detroit Auto Show, Guangzhou Automotive Group (GAC) announced that it plans on launching the GS8 SUV in later 2019, and will attend this year's National Automobile Dealers Association convention in March. "We will attend the NADA convention in preparation for entering the North American market in the fourth quarter of 2019," said GAC President Yu Jun. “We will explore all sorts of channels, including partnering” with other dealership groups, he said. “We will also try to build our own dealership network in the future. All of these options are on the table.” GAC has been doing a lot of work behind the scenes preparing to launch in the U.S. They have already opened a technical center in Silicon Valley and is planning on opening a second one in Detroit. The company has also been studying the marketplace and conducting research to measure demand. "They've been doing preparation on the ground, talking to consumers. They've been running clinics to find out what consumers care about. This is the real deal," said Michael Dunne, president of Dunne Automotive Ltd. and an adviser to GAC. But there a number of issues that GAC needs to address. For one, GAC was planning to introduce the Trumpchi brand for the U.S. But given current affairs, the name could be problematic and executives have hinted that a name change could happen. There is also the impression that Chinese-built product doesn't have the same quality as others. GAC could use J.D. Power’s Initial Quality study where it has been the top-scoring Chinese automaker for the past five years. "It looks like they have a good quality product. There is still a stigma of 'made-in-China,' but it's largely a perception issue," said David Sargent, vice president of J.D. Power's global automotive unit. "If you talk to the automakers, they'll say the quality they are getting in China is as good as anywhere else — and sometimes better." But the biggest roadblock that GAC could face is the U.S. Government. Both President Donald Trump and the top U.S. Senate Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York cited GAC's plans and used this as a launching pad to criticize China's automotive trade rules. China levies a 25 percent tariff on U.S.-built vehicles. The U.S. only slaps a 2.5-percent on Chinese-built vehicles. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), 2, Reuters View full article
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GAC Plans 2019 Launch for U.S., But Roadblocks Are Appearing
William Maley posted an article in Automotive Industry
We have heard countless promises and teases from various Chinese automakers about entering the U.S. market. But one automaker appears to be making a serious effort to make it a reality. Last week at the Detroit Auto Show, Guangzhou Automotive Group (GAC) announced that it plans on launching the GS8 SUV in later 2019, and will attend this year's National Automobile Dealers Association convention in March. "We will attend the NADA convention in preparation for entering the North American market in the fourth quarter of 2019," said GAC President Yu Jun. “We will explore all sorts of channels, including partnering” with other dealership groups, he said. “We will also try to build our own dealership network in the future. All of these options are on the table.” GAC has been doing a lot of work behind the scenes preparing to launch in the U.S. They have already opened a technical center in Silicon Valley and is planning on opening a second one in Detroit. The company has also been studying the marketplace and conducting research to measure demand. "They've been doing preparation on the ground, talking to consumers. They've been running clinics to find out what consumers care about. This is the real deal," said Michael Dunne, president of Dunne Automotive Ltd. and an adviser to GAC. But there a number of issues that GAC needs to address. For one, GAC was planning to introduce the Trumpchi brand for the U.S. But given current affairs, the name could be problematic and executives have hinted that a name change could happen. There is also the impression that Chinese-built product doesn't have the same quality as others. GAC could use J.D. Power’s Initial Quality study where it has been the top-scoring Chinese automaker for the past five years. "It looks like they have a good quality product. There is still a stigma of 'made-in-China,' but it's largely a perception issue," said David Sargent, vice president of J.D. Power's global automotive unit. "If you talk to the automakers, they'll say the quality they are getting in China is as good as anywhere else — and sometimes better." But the biggest roadblock that GAC could face is the U.S. Government. Both President Donald Trump and the top U.S. Senate Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York cited GAC's plans and used this as a launching pad to criticize China's automotive trade rules. China levies a 25 percent tariff on U.S.-built vehicles. The U.S. only slaps a 2.5-percent on Chinese-built vehicles. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), 2, Reuters -
Seven years ago, Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) entered into a joint venture Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Currently, the joint venture locally builds the Cherokee, Compass, and Renegade. The venture also imports the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler for Chinese buyers. It has proven to be successful as the venture saw its sales triple to nearly 150,000 vehicles in 2016. Because of this, GAC wants to strengthen their ties with FCA. "GAC has a real interest in deepening relations with Fiat Chrysler to expand outside China, especially in the U.S. Fiat hasn’t been able so far to catch up with competitors in China, so there is much room to improve," said Vincenzo Longo, a strategist at IG Markets in Milan. In an interview with Bloomberg, GAC President Feng Xingya said the two automakers are in discussions about deepening their partnership. The key items being focused in the discussions include models, production, and sales targets. Xingya also hinted that GAC wanted to work FCA in the U.S. when it plans to launch their unfortunately named Trumpchi brand by 2019. “We are very satisfied with our cooperation with FCA. We have yet to reach a conclusion on how to cooperate with FCA when we begin manufacturing in the U.S., and we have also not begun discussions with other Chinese automakers on whether to make cars together in the U.S,” said Xingya. Source: Bloomberg View full article
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Guangzhou Auto Wants To Strengthen Their Relationship With FCA
William Maley posted an article in Fiat
Seven years ago, Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) entered into a joint venture Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Currently, the joint venture locally builds the Cherokee, Compass, and Renegade. The venture also imports the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler for Chinese buyers. It has proven to be successful as the venture saw its sales triple to nearly 150,000 vehicles in 2016. Because of this, GAC wants to strengthen their ties with FCA. "GAC has a real interest in deepening relations with Fiat Chrysler to expand outside China, especially in the U.S. Fiat hasn’t been able so far to catch up with competitors in China, so there is much room to improve," said Vincenzo Longo, a strategist at IG Markets in Milan. In an interview with Bloomberg, GAC President Feng Xingya said the two automakers are in discussions about deepening their partnership. The key items being focused in the discussions include models, production, and sales targets. Xingya also hinted that GAC wanted to work FCA in the U.S. when it plans to launch their unfortunately named Trumpchi brand by 2019. “We are very satisfied with our cooperation with FCA. We have yet to reach a conclusion on how to cooperate with FCA when we begin manufacturing in the U.S., and we have also not begun discussions with other Chinese automakers on whether to make cars together in the U.S,” said Xingya. Source: Bloomberg -
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is able to build vehicles in China thanks to a partnership with Chinese automaker Guangzhou Auto. Guangzhou wants FCA to return the favor by helping them enter the U.S. "Chrysler's development in China required our support. Now for GAC Motor's development in the U.S. we also hope for Chrysler's support and help," said GAC Motor General Manager Wu Song to Reuters at the Beijing auto show. Guangzhou Auto's subsidiary GAC Motor announced its intentions last year to enter the U.S. by 2017. The company has already been talking with dealerships about selling their vehicles and doing tests on U.S. roads. Song told Reuters the company has also started tests in China on two of its car models against American standards. What would FCA offer Guangzhou Auto? Song and representatives of GAC Motor didn't elaborate and FCA spokesman declined to comment. Our best guess is FCA knows what interests Americans at the moment and know the various U.S. regulations. Source: Reuters Pic Credit: Newspress -
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is able to build vehicles in China thanks to a partnership with Chinese automaker Guangzhou Auto. Guangzhou wants FCA to return the favor by helping them enter the U.S. "Chrysler's development in China required our support. Now for GAC Motor's development in the U.S. we also hope for Chrysler's support and help," said GAC Motor General Manager Wu Song to Reuters at the Beijing auto show. Guangzhou Auto's subsidiary GAC Motor announced its intentions last year to enter the U.S. by 2017. The company has already been talking with dealerships about selling their vehicles and doing tests on U.S. roads. Song told Reuters the company has also started tests in China on two of its car models against American standards. What would FCA offer Guangzhou Auto? Song and representatives of GAC Motor didn't elaborate and FCA spokesman declined to comment. Our best guess is FCA knows what interests Americans at the moment and know the various U.S. regulations. Source: Reuters Pic Credit: Newspress View full article
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One day, a Chinese automaker will finally deliver on their promise of selling vehicles in the U.S. But what will bring customers into the showrooms? Yesterday, we reported on Geely positioning itself maker of affordable, high-tech cars with a new plug-in crossover - due out in 2017 in China, followed by Europe and U.S. Automotive News reports that another Chinese automaker who has dreams of coming to the U.S. is going low prices. Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company (GAC) is planning to be cheaper than its rivals in the U.S. How cheap? Wu Song, general manager of GAC says the 'magic number' is 30 percent cheaper. "We are confident. It could be popular in the market. Considering the low price, it should be competitive," said Song. If Song gets his way, GAC could put this price cut theory to the test sometime in 2017 when the company plans on launching the GS4 crossover - a compact crossover going up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. That is the plan at the moment. Currently, GAC is seeking dealers, importers, and distributors in the U.S. Song tells Automotive News that he is "90 percent confident" GAC will bring the GS4 to the U.S. But analysts don't fully buy into the price cut. James Chao, managing director for Asia Pacific at IHS Automotive says its difficult for any unknown brand to make it in the U.S. Chao also said 30 percent discount that Song wants to do for U.S. is less than 40 percent markdowns Chinese automakers do to compete with global brands. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
One day, a Chinese automaker will finally deliver on their promise of selling vehicles in the U.S. But what will bring customers into the showrooms? Yesterday, we reported on Geely positioning itself maker of affordable, high-tech cars with a new plug-in crossover - due out in 2017 in China, followed by Europe and U.S. Automotive News reports that another Chinese automaker who has dreams of coming to the U.S. is going low prices. Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company (GAC) is planning to be cheaper than its rivals in the U.S. How cheap? Wu Song, general manager of GAC says the 'magic number' is 30 percent cheaper. "We are confident. It could be popular in the market. Considering the low price, it should be competitive," said Song. If Song gets his way, GAC could put this price cut theory to the test sometime in 2017 when the company plans on launching the GS4 crossover - a compact crossover going up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. That is the plan at the moment. Currently, GAC is seeking dealers, importers, and distributors in the U.S. Song tells Automotive News that he is "90 percent confident" GAC will bring the GS4 to the U.S. But analysts don't fully buy into the price cut. James Chao, managing director for Asia Pacific at IHS Automotive says its difficult for any unknown brand to make it in the U.S. Chao also said 30 percent discount that Song wants to do for U.S. is less than 40 percent markdowns Chinese automakers do to compete with global brands. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Usually, the announcement of a Chinese vehicle debuting an auto show doesn't make our radar. But this one is a bit different. The Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will be bringing three vehicles to the Detroit Auto Show, one of them will be a world premiere. This isn't GAC's first time in Detroit. A couple years back, the company showed off several vehicles. The world premiere is the GAC Motor GS4, a "high-performance compact sport-utility vehicle". We're a bit dubious on the 'high-performance' part as this vehicle will come with either a 1.3L or 1.5L engines, both turbocharged. However, the GS4's looks seem to fit the 'high-performance' concept with a lowered roofline, narrow grille, and wraparound headlights. "The debut of GS4 at the North American International Auto Show will mark a milestone in GAC Motor's history because it shows that our products have met the international standards. The high-performance SUV is indeed a representative of Chinese brand vehicles which are able to compete in the global market," said Wu Song, general manager of GAC Motor in a statement. Two other models will be shown along the GS4. The WITSTAR is a range-extended EV concept that is expected to have a range of 370 miles. The other concept is the GA6 GT concept car, which is also a range-extended EV. Source: GAC Group Press Release is on Page 2 GAC Motor to Unveil Brand New GS4 in Detroit, Quickening Globalization Drive GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GAC Group, China's leading automaker, plans to launch the GAC Motor GS4, a high-performance compact sport-utility vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a move to reinforce its globalization drive. The global premier of the GS4 at one of the world's largest auto shows that starts on January 12, 2015 reflects GAC Motor's confidence in joining the fray with global auto giants buoyed by its strengthened development capabilities and improved manufacturing techniques. "The debut of GS4 at the North American International Auto Show will mark a milestone in GAC Motor's history because it shows that our products have met the international standards," said Wu Song, general manager of GAC Motor, a subsidiary of GAC that focuses on passenger cars. "The high-performance SUV is indeed a representative of Chinese brand vehicles which are able to compete in the global market." GAC Motor designed GS4 with meticulous care, envisioning producing a SUV that could not only adapt to various traffic conditions such as bumpy roads with its great passing ability, but also make drivers and passengers feel comfortable. The SUV, equipped with either a 1.3- or a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, acts as a brand new symbol of GAC Motor's advanced technologies and excellent design capabilities. The car hood of GS4 is designed like a flying machine while the body feels like a light sculpture. Its double line of decorative frames adds a new dimension into the notion of "sporty." GAC Motor also did its utmost to ensure GS4's high-tech interiors would give drivers and passengers a comfortable and stress-free ride. GAC Motor, one of China's largest automakers, rose into global prominence in recent years as it successfully expanded into overseas markets. GAC Motor came onto the global stage when its starring role in the United State blockbuster movie Transformers 4 – Age of Extinction catapulted the brand into international limelight. GAC Motor aims at consolidating its foothold in the global market as it is adamant in internationalizing the businesses amid China's go-outbound campaign. It is set to take advantage of the North American International Auto Show to display its latest technology and models that result from its enterprising spirit and constant innovations. "As we exhibit our new models and the latest technology at the Detroit auto show, we hope to impress industry officials and foreign visitors not only on our cars, but also our credo," said Wu. "Our credo is make the best cars for people under the most strict standards. GAC Motor's own brands have already been endorsed by customers in the Middle Eastern and South Asian market and the carmaker is now planning a foray into the North American and European markets. It will be the second time that GAC Motor participates in the high-profile North American auto show following its debut in 2013. GAC Motor is highly expected to draw rave reviews during the show as it is set to launch WITSTAR and GA6 GT concept cars, aside from GS4. The cars, powered by range-extended power-train system, will become a source of China's national pride on the Detroit show as high hopes are pinned on them to eventually take on global auto giants. WITSTAR, an energy-efficient car designed by GAC, provides a snapshot of the Chinese carmaker's efforts to develop alternative energy cars. It can achieve automatic driving and has a range of more than 600 kilometers with fuel consumption of less than 2 liters per 100 km. GAC Motor pledges to deepen its innovations on alternative energy cars as a way to protect the environment and save energy. It hopes to seek tie-up and cooperation with international counterparts at the Detroit auto show to fine-tune its production and research capabilities to make better energy-efficient cars in the future. View full article
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Usually, the announcement of a Chinese vehicle debuting an auto show doesn't make our radar. But this one is a bit different. The Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will be bringing three vehicles to the Detroit Auto Show, one of them will be a world premiere. This isn't GAC's first time in Detroit. A couple years back, the company showed off several vehicles. The world premiere is the GAC Motor GS4, a "high-performance compact sport-utility vehicle". We're a bit dubious on the 'high-performance' part as this vehicle will come with either a 1.3L or 1.5L engines, both turbocharged. However, the GS4's looks seem to fit the 'high-performance' concept with a lowered roofline, narrow grille, and wraparound headlights. "The debut of GS4 at the North American International Auto Show will mark a milestone in GAC Motor's history because it shows that our products have met the international standards. The high-performance SUV is indeed a representative of Chinese brand vehicles which are able to compete in the global market," said Wu Song, general manager of GAC Motor in a statement. Two other models will be shown along the GS4. The WITSTAR is a range-extended EV concept that is expected to have a range of 370 miles. The other concept is the GA6 GT concept car, which is also a range-extended EV. Source: GAC Group Press Release is on Page 2 GAC Motor to Unveil Brand New GS4 in Detroit, Quickening Globalization Drive GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GAC Group, China's leading automaker, plans to launch the GAC Motor GS4, a high-performance compact sport-utility vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a move to reinforce its globalization drive. The global premier of the GS4 at one of the world's largest auto shows that starts on January 12, 2015 reflects GAC Motor's confidence in joining the fray with global auto giants buoyed by its strengthened development capabilities and improved manufacturing techniques. "The debut of GS4 at the North American International Auto Show will mark a milestone in GAC Motor's history because it shows that our products have met the international standards," said Wu Song, general manager of GAC Motor, a subsidiary of GAC that focuses on passenger cars. "The high-performance SUV is indeed a representative of Chinese brand vehicles which are able to compete in the global market." GAC Motor designed GS4 with meticulous care, envisioning producing a SUV that could not only adapt to various traffic conditions such as bumpy roads with its great passing ability, but also make drivers and passengers feel comfortable. The SUV, equipped with either a 1.3- or a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, acts as a brand new symbol of GAC Motor's advanced technologies and excellent design capabilities. The car hood of GS4 is designed like a flying machine while the body feels like a light sculpture. Its double line of decorative frames adds a new dimension into the notion of "sporty." GAC Motor also did its utmost to ensure GS4's high-tech interiors would give drivers and passengers a comfortable and stress-free ride. GAC Motor, one of China's largest automakers, rose into global prominence in recent years as it successfully expanded into overseas markets. GAC Motor came onto the global stage when its starring role in the United State blockbuster movie Transformers 4 – Age of Extinction catapulted the brand into international limelight. GAC Motor aims at consolidating its foothold in the global market as it is adamant in internationalizing the businesses amid China's go-outbound campaign. It is set to take advantage of the North American International Auto Show to display its latest technology and models that result from its enterprising spirit and constant innovations. "As we exhibit our new models and the latest technology at the Detroit auto show, we hope to impress industry officials and foreign visitors not only on our cars, but also our credo," said Wu. "Our credo is make the best cars for people under the most strict standards. GAC Motor's own brands have already been endorsed by customers in the Middle Eastern and South Asian market and the carmaker is now planning a foray into the North American and European markets. It will be the second time that GAC Motor participates in the high-profile North American auto show following its debut in 2013. GAC Motor is highly expected to draw rave reviews during the show as it is set to launch WITSTAR and GA6 GT concept cars, aside from GS4. The cars, powered by range-extended power-train system, will become a source of China's national pride on the Detroit show as high hopes are pinned on them to eventually take on global auto giants. WITSTAR, an energy-efficient car designed by GAC, provides a snapshot of the Chinese carmaker's efforts to develop alternative energy cars. It can achieve automatic driving and has a range of more than 600 kilometers with fuel consumption of less than 2 liters per 100 km. GAC Motor pledges to deepen its innovations on alternative energy cars as a way to protect the environment and save energy. It hopes to seek tie-up and cooperation with international counterparts at the Detroit auto show to fine-tune its production and research capabilities to make better energy-efficient cars in the future. -
If you happen to plan on seeing Transformers 4 at the theater, you should pay close attention to the scenes in China as some of those vehicles could be making their way to the U.S. Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd. (GAC) which has some of their Trumpchi vehicles in the film is planning on sending them to the U.S. as early as next year. "Our sponsorship of Transformers 4 will help more overseas dealers and consumers know about our cars and over the long run it will greatly contribute to our branding. We want to start exporting to the U.S. as quickly as possible and I am confident that they will find our Trumpchi cars competitive," said Wu Song, chief of the Trumpchi brand. The first model destined for the U.S. is the Trumpchi GS5 SUV. In China, the model is offered with a 2.0L four-cylinder with 145 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque or a 1.8L turbocharged four with 174 horsepower and 175 pound-feet. Either engine can be paired with a five-speed manual or automatic, and either front- or all-wheel drive. Source: Automotive News China (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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If you happen to plan on seeing Transformers 4 at the theater, you should pay close attention to the scenes in China as some of those vehicles could be making their way to the U.S. Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd. (GAC) which has some of their Trumpchi vehicles in the film is planning on sending them to the U.S. as early as next year. "Our sponsorship of Transformers 4 will help more overseas dealers and consumers know about our cars and over the long run it will greatly contribute to our branding. We want to start exporting to the U.S. as quickly as possible and I am confident that they will find our Trumpchi cars competitive," said Wu Song, chief of the Trumpchi brand. The first model destined for the U.S. is the Trumpchi GS5 SUV. In China, the model is offered with a 2.0L four-cylinder with 145 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque or a 1.8L turbocharged four with 174 horsepower and 175 pound-feet. Either engine can be paired with a five-speed manual or automatic, and either front- or all-wheel drive. Source: Automotive News China (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
