New SA footprint
GUANGZHOU AUTOMOBILE GROUP: CHINESE PRESENCE GETS STRONGER Not known which vehicles carmaker will bring in.
One the newest but also expanding, Chinese automakers – founded in 2008 – the Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC Motor), has announced its entry to South Africa by means of a partnership with the Salvador Caetano Auto group.
An agreement involving the distribution of GAC Motor models, as well as parts and service, has upped South Africa’s Chinese vehicle count after Great Wall Motors and its Haval division, Chery with its Omoda brand, commercial vehicle marque JAC, BAIC and most recently, BYD.
An early second-quarter premiere for Chery’s Jaecoo brand will see another brand originating from the People’s Republic in SA before mid-year, with speculation as to whether others will deem the country viable before year end.
In addition to GAC, the partnership spells the Salvador Caetano’s first foray in South Africa since its founding in Portugal in 1946.
Present in 41 countries and employing 7 000 employees, the organisation originally started in the heavy-duty commercial vehicle segment, but has since struck up partnerships with, amongst others, Toyota and BMW.
“This agreement settles the beginning of an important milestone for Salvador Caetano Auto, starting with our presence in South Africa, with the possibility to enlarge this partnership to other markets in the future,” Salvador Caetano’s chief executive of Global Automotive Distribution, Sérgio Ribeiro, said in a joint statement.
“This strategic partnership marks the beginning of a significant investment that will enable us to rapidly establish GAC Motor as a relevant automotive player in South Africa.”
While no mention of the products GAC will introduce were made, its portfolio comprises sedans, SUVs and MPVs, largely powered by turbocharged petrol engines of 1.5 and 2.0 litres.
Models on its sedan roster include the GA4, GA6, GA8 and the most recent introduction, the Empow which pairs styling from the current Nissan Skyline, sold as the Infiniti Q50 in South Africa, with a 1.5 or 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, developing 125kW to 195kW.
Likely to attract the biggest attention is the brand’s SUV range; the GS3, GS3 Power, GS4 and GS5.
The GS3 Emzoom makes 130kW/270Nm from its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, the dramatic Emkoo is powered by either a petrol or hybrid powerplant, and the full-size GS8 seats seven and produces 185kW/400Nm from a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine.
Potential rivals for the Kia Carnival include the GN6, GN8 and the incoming M8 MPVs, the latter powered by either a conventional 2.0-litre turbopetrol, or as a plugin hybrid developing a combined 274kW/630Nm.
“Dedicated to the automotive industry for years and present on three continents, GAC Motor has accelerated the process of international business. This partnership with Salvador Caetano Auto in South Africa is the start-up of the cooperation of both parties.,” GAC’s deputy general manager, Wang Shunsheng, said.
“Both companies will leverage their respective strengths to bring quality products to South Africa, while building a strong dealership network focused on customer satisfaction.”
It remains uncertain as to when the first GAC-branded vehicles will touch down in SA.