GAC Motor, one of China's fastest-growing automakers, is striving to strengthen its presence in the niche SUV market for young consumers and to enrich its product line as part of its ambitious plan for global expansion.

This determination was apparent at a gala held in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province, over the weekend to release two new SUV models: its 5-seat GS7 and entry SUV GS3.

"Both the GS7 and GS3 have inherited the excellent genes of the GAC Motor family, typical of GAC's latest achievement of smart and internet applications.

"Either the smart GAC Motor 3.0 system or the 'injoy' smart HMI system is user-centered and reflects the value enhancement driven by smart solutions. They reflect our determination as well as the direction for our future development," said Feng Xingya, president of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC Group) and board chairman of GAC Motor.

The GS7 made its debut during the 2017 North American International Auto Show in the United States in January. It won the accolades of A New Generation Blockbuster SUV by the New York Times and An Impressive Worldwide Debut by Forbes. It is a mid-sized SUV designed for consumers who want a fashionable and carefree driving experience.

Together with the GS8, GAC Motor's another elite SUV, the GS7 will satisfy the different needs of consumers in the segmented mid to high-end SUV market, according to Feng.

The GS3, characteristic of a trendy and sporty design, comfortable cabin, smart technology and engaging driving experience, is a sporty model built for young families.

Smart technologies including human-auto interaction, Carlife smartphone intelligent interconnection feature and a 3-D voice navigation system will make the model stand out from its competitors.

"Consumers have a growing need for high-quality and personalized products, and GAC Motor is dedicated to designing world-class vehicles that meet their needs using our industry-leading customer-oriented strategy," said Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor.

"We're a market leader in China because we have deep insight into consumers' needs and we proactively plan to give them what they want. With the GS7 and GS3 joining our family of vehicles, our product lineup is more comprehensive and appeals to multiple market segments, attracting a wider array of customers."

Yu went on to say: "GAC Motor deliberately chose Wuzhen as the venue to initiate its redefinition of SUVs for young consumers not only because of the water town's rich history and its status as a nest for high-tech and innovation, but also because of its youthful, fashionable and forward-thinking vibes, which are in line with targeted young consumers of the two new models."

Wuzhen has been the venue for the World Internet Conference since 2014. The annual event attracts prominent internet figures from 120 countries and regions worldwide.

To date, GAC Motor has already released a full range of seven SUV models on the market, including compact, mid-sized and large models, as well as an electric one. The brand has been an SUV market leader in China in recent years.

The company sold more than 200,000 GS4 SUVs in January-July, an increase of 20.2 percent year-on-year. Its GS4 SUVs have long occupied a top three position in China's SUV market. The company has also sold over 66,000 GS8 SUVs since its debut and has become the only Chinese SUV brand capable of breaking the ceiling price of 200,000 yuan ($30,091). Its GS8 SUV recently won an overall rating of five stars with a total score of 57.7 in the China New Car Assessment Program, making it the safety champion among mid and large-sized SUVs nationally under the new assessment standard.

GAC Motor aims to sell 500,000 vehicles this year and 1 million annually by 2020, with 20 to 30 new models including SUVs, sedans, MPVs and electric vehicles being released over the next few years.

It sold 290,000 vehicles in total in the first seven months of this year, growth of 53.2 percent over a year ago, compared with the nation's new car sales growth of 1.95 percent in the period.

Outside China, GAC Motor has launched sales and after-sales networks in 14 countries and regions around the world.

The company is planning to tap the North American market no later than 2019 with its research and development center already in position in the Silicon Valley.

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/29/2017 page15)