Chinese brand GAC Announces Official presence in NZ

GAC will launch with the Aion V mid-size electric SUV. Photos; GAC

Chinese automotive brand Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co has confirmed its official entry into the New Zealand market, with a launch scheduled for December 2025. 

Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co (GAC) will debut with three distinct models, offering petrol, battery electric (BEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. 

GAC, China’s fifth-largest vehicle manufacturer, produces and sells over two million vehicles annually. 

Its global portfolio includes three brands—Aion, GAC Trumpchi  (exclusive to China), and Hyptec, known for its high-performance SSR supercar. In New Zealand, all models will be marketed under the GAC nameplate. 

GAC will also have the GS3 Emzoom is a compact petrol-powered SUV.

The three inaugural vehicles are the Aion V, GS3 Emzoom and the M8.

The Aion V is a mid-size electric SUV that features a 150kW motor, up to 510km WLTP range, rapid DC charging for its 75kWh battery in just 24 minutes and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds. 

The GS3 Emzoom is a compact petrol-powered SUV equipped with a turbocharged  1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It delivers 125kW of power and 270Nm of torque. 

The M8 is a luxurious seven-seat plug-in hybrid people mover

The M8 is a luxurious seven-seat plug-in hybrid people mover. Powered by a 2.0-litre  turbo-petrol engine and PHEV system, it offers a combined output of 274kW and  630Nm. Its 25.57kWh battery provides up to 106km of electric-only driving range  (WLTC). 

GAC has also announced plans to expand its New Zealand lineup with three additional models in 2026. 

Final specifications and pricing will be released closer to launch.