GAC Motor and its Trumpchi
GAC Motor Company (Guangzhou Automobile Group Passenger Car Co., Ltd.) is a subsidiary company of Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group, established in 2008, which develops, manufactures and sells vehicles, engines, automotive parts and accessories, and automotive consumables. GAC is a pioneer in the automotive engineering technology research and development in China. The company sells Trumpchi passenger cars, Changfeng Motor SUVs, Aion electric vehicles, and GAC Bus buses. Moreover, the company in engaged in import and export of automotive products, leasing, car loans, and logistics services. GAC is one of the largest Chinese manufacturers with sales over 50 billion dollars a year, and perhaps the fastest growing company in the Chinese automotive industry. GAC’s sales have tripled since 2012, with 2.2 million vehicles sold last year. GAC ranks 202nd in the Fortune Global 500 list of the largest companies in the world.
GAC is now known not only for the independent production of passenger cars, but for numerous joint ventures with Honda, Fiat, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Toyota, Everus and Hino. Like many other Chinese automakers, GAC keeps on trying to enter and gain a foothold in the European automotive market. At the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the company announced that it was ready to enter the North American market, but not now, since the name of the flagship series ‘Trumpchi’ is similar to Trump’s last name. But, fortunately, Joe Biden quickly solved the problem… Currently, Guangzhou Automotive Company supplies cars to 20 countries in South America, Asia and the Mediterranean region. The company has research and development centers in Silicon Valley and Detroit, as well as a design center in Los Angeles.
As for Israel, Orion Motors, a new subsidiary of the Union Motors Group, just recently announced the sale of GAC electric vehicles. The first Chinese electric vehicle to go on sale was the GAC GE3 electric SUV, equipped with an engine producing 163 hp. With such an engine, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 156 km/h. The declared driving range is 310 km. The price is about 139,000 shekels. The first 100 buyers are invited to take an electric car for a trial period of six months, at the end of which they can return the vehicle (if they don’t like it) and use the amount paid for it (with the deduction of the cost of use in the amount of 2,700 shekels per month and the cost of a home electric car charger) to buy one of the Toyota or Lexus models. The importer also offers free service for 3 years (or up to 45,000 km) and trade-in after three years.
Popular models
GAC Motor produces at least 20 car models. Little is known about them in the automotive markets of developed countries, but there are some popular cars. In particular, the Trumpchi range of passenger cars. We will tell you a little more about it. And in conclusion, we will share information about the new GAC GE3, an electric SUV that has recently appeared on the Israeli market.
- GAC Trumpchi GS5
The Trumpchi GS5 SUV has been produced since 2011. The latest modification is a compact SUV. The SUV resembles the Hyundai Santa Fe, but looks quite modern, featuring LED headlights and taillights. The model comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 engine with a capacity of 113 or 126 kW, coupled with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The GS5 is equipped with the Trumpchi Cloud Concept 2.0 infotainment system with built-in navigation.
- GAC Trumpchi GM8
The 2021 GAC GM8 minivan is built on the Fiat CMPA platform, but clearly resembles Japanese and Korean minivans. This is a rather large vehicle, 5 m long, 1.9 m wide and 1.8 m high, with a wheelbase of 3 m, ground clearance of 150 mm and curb weight reaching up to 2 tons. The model is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a capacity of 190 hp and a 6 speed automatic gearbox. The minivan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds. The suspension is adapted to a smooth city highway, practically does not tolerate obstacles like potholes. The interior is quite comfortable, but more suitable for people of average build. The controls and entertainment system have some ergonomics-related issues. Sound insulation practically does not cover the area behind the first row.
- GAC Trumpchi GS4
The GAC GS4 is similar to Volkswagen SUVs, that is, it looks quite harmoniously. The interior of the model is distinguished by 6-angled elements: dashboard, steering wheel, air vents, center console and more. The trunk is large and closed. The SUV features a 1.5-liter engine with 150 hp, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds. It is noted that compared to other Chinese SUVs, the GS4 behaves well on the bumpy roads, but not maneuverable enough. The GS4 has some advanced options, like a 360-degree camera. Other handy options include an electronic parking brake, hill hold control, illuminated mirrors, and more.
- GAC Trumpchi GS8
The Trumpchi GAC GS8 is the brand’s flagship SUV, and has been called the best or one of the best Chinese SUVs in a number of sources, to the point that it is positioned as a competitor to the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder and Hyundai Santa Fe. The design seems to combine the elements of all these SUVs. The most exotic detail is twin headlights, like those of the Chevrolet Tahoe and other big American vehicles. Overall, the 3-row, 7-seater GS8 SUV looks quite luxurious. The interior is also quite gorgeous, featuring leather trim, a 6-way power seat with heating and ventilation functions, a tilt and reach-adjustable steering wheel, a sliding and reclining second row, cruise control, a 10-inch infotainment screen and so on. At the same time, the engine produces only 198 hp: for some reason, Chinese manufacturers tend to install relatively low-power engines on large all-wheel drive vehicles that are positioned as the luxury models. The engine is accompanied by a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
- GAC GE3 electric vehicle
Chinese automakers have high hopes for electric vehicles. And GAC is no exception, which is why it is actively promoting the Trumpchi GE3, an electric compact urban SUV launched in 2017. The GE3 has an identical model built on the same platform, the Mitsubishi Eupheme. This is exactly the same compact SUV, produced by Mitsubishi exclusively for China. Both SUVs are positioned as compact city vehicles: they are 4,337 mm long, 1,825 mm wide and 1,640 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,560 mm, weighting 1,648 kg. The trunk volume reaches 0.3 cubic meters.
The new GAC GE3 looks like a perfectly standard city SUV, distinguished by the triangular headlights. The interior is quite modern and well-finished. The vehicle offers many features and options, including a driver’s 6-way adjustable seat, a front passenger 4-way adjustable seat, second-row seats with separate and reclining backs 60:40 and much more. The interior offers quite an ergonomic layout.
The 2021 GAC GE3 is a full electric vehicle powered by a 54.75 kWh Li-Ion battery that offers a driving range of just over 300 km, but only on a smooth highway without obstacles. The synchronous electric motor has a rated power of 67 hp, and peak power reaches 163 hp. The battery is charged from the charger at a rate of 6.9 kWh, which means that it takes approximately 8 hours to fully charge it. According to Chinese C-NCAP standards, the new GAC GE3 has the highest safety ratings. The electric vehicle has 6 airbags and advanced options such as a lane departure warning system, a pedestrian and obstacle detection system.
