Eyes on the prize
Now, with GAC Motor added to our portfolio, we are excited to bring more value to our Filipino customers
A successful automaker doesn’t just rely on the features and performance of its model lineup alone. Other factors play out, as well, including motorsport runs and effective management strategies. As for the GAC Motor, the brand is taking the latter for it to achieve greater heights in the country.
To accomplish the ambitious goal, GAC Motor Philippines has revitalized its business starting with the new distributorship under Astara. Established in 1979, Astara is a Spanish automotive dealer that operates in 16 countries, which notably, includes Spain, Germany and of course, the Philippines.
The business network of GAC Motor is expected to grow in the coming years considering the impressive track record of its new Philippine distributor. Peugeot is the first brand held by Astara Philippines. Since the partnership began, Peugeot Philippines managed to post a 285 percent year-over-year growth in 2022, a record-setting milestone for the French Lion brand.
“Our first year in the Philippines was remarkable with Peugeot as our first brand. Now, with GAC Motor added to our portfolio, we are excited to bring more value to our Filipino customers,” Astara managing director for Southern Europe and the Philippines, Jorge Belzunce said.
“With Astara’s global strength and track record in car distribution and mobility services, we hope to achieve great success for GAC Motor Philippines as we have done in Latin America,” he added.
The first order of business was the appointment of a new leader. Earlier this month, GAC Motor Philippines announced Redentor “Jun” Cajayon as its new brand head. He took office with 30 years of experience in automotive sales, marketing and development.
Now, GAC Motor Philippines has reworked its lineup starting with the launching of two new models, namely the Empow and the all-new GS8.
If you love to live in the fast lane, you might want to take a look at the GAC Empow. It is a sporty compact sedan that will go against the likes of the Honda Civic and MG 6. According to the Chinese automaker, the Empow can go from zero to 100 km/h in 6.95 seconds, which is very impressive in its respective segment.
That is made possible thanks to the vehicle’s 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that uses GAC Motor’s in-house Megawave technology. It makes 168 horsepower and 270 N-m of torque. GAC Motor Philippines is offering the Empow with an introductory price that ranges from P1,135,000 to P1,283,000.
Meanwhile, the all-new GAC GS8 arrived in its second-generation form. It is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a smart and good-looking seven-seater vehicle for the family. The brand describes the model as an SUV that combines “form and function with its bold and futuristic design style, surging power and pioneering smart configurations.”
If you are considering checking out the new GS8, GAC Motor Philippines is offering it at a special introductory price of P2,298,000. The introductory price provides a special discount of P100,000 valid until 31 March 2023 only.
With the two new models locked in for the Philippine car market, the company now has a five-car lineup, consisting of the GS3, GS4, GN6, GS8 and Empow. The GAC GA4 and GN8 have been discontinued and will no longer be part of the brand moving forward in the country.
GAC Motor Philippines has reworked its lineup starting with the launching of two new models, namely the Empow and the all-new GS8.
Apart from the model lineup, Astara Philippines is also expanding GAC Motor’s dealership network. Cajayon announced that they will open nine dealerships in BGC, Makati, Cainta, Quezon Avenue, Manila Bay, E. Rodriguez Sr., Batangas, Lipa City and Cagayan de Oro. These are scheduled for a mid-2023 opening.
Only time can tell how the strategic plans will work out for the brand. But by the looks of it, GAC Motor Philippines is geared up and ready for rapid expansion.