Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) has officially entered the New Zealand market, unveiling three models at a brand launch ceremony in Auckland on Jan. 15 as it steps up its international expansion under a revamped global strategy.
At the event, GAC introduced the AION V electric SUV, the Trumpchi M8 plug-in hybrid MPV and the Trumpchi GS3 Emzoom compact SUV, offering New Zealand consumers a mix of fully electric, plug-in hybrid and internal combustion options. The company said the lineup was selected to reflect local demand for greener mobility alongside practical family and lifestyle vehicles.
The launch marks a milestone for GAC’s “One GAC 2.0” strategy, announced in March 2025, which aims to build a unified global brand image through localized products, sales channels and services. GAC now operates in 86 countries and regions, with New Zealand designated as a strategic foothold for strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
“In New Zealand, for New Zealand,” said Wang Shunsheng, deputy general manager of GAC International and president of its Asia-Pacific regional center. “We will focus on localizing products, customer experience and after-sales services to achieve long-term, mutually beneficial development.”
GAC said it plans to increase investment in the country in partnership with local distributor Gismo, expanding its dealership network and service infrastructure while tailoring operations to local user needs. The company aims to leverage its integrated industrial capabilities while embedding localization across its New Zealand business.
The three models are positioned to address different segments of the local market. The AION V emphasizes electric and smart mobility aligned with environmental priorities, the Trumpchi M8 PHEV targets both business and family users, and the GS3 Emzoom is pitched as a compact SUV suited to outdoor-oriented lifestyles. GAC said it plans to gradually expand its lineup to support the development of New Zealand’s green mobility ecosystem.
GAC’s overseas sales exceeded 130,000 units in 2025, up 45% from a year earlier, underscoring the pace of its international push. The New Zealand entry is expected to serve as a new base for its Asia-Pacific operations and could contribute to greater competition and diversification in the local automotive market, the company said.