GAC Motor is one of the newest companies to join the inflow of Chinese brands into the South African new-vehicle market. Engineering News Online spoke to GAC Motor South Africa (GAC SA) CEO Leslie Ramsoomar about the prospects for the company in an increasingly crowded sports-utility vehicle (SUV) market.

Engineering News (EN): Tell us more about GAC in China. Who are they?

Leslie Ransoomar (LR): GAC Motor is a subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). Founded in 2008, GAC Motor has a workforce of 113 000 people, and in 2023 held the 165th position in the Fortune Global 500. As of today, GAC Motor has set up overseas distribution channels in 48 countries and regions. Last year,  production and sales both exceeded 2.5-million vehicles.

EN: GAC SA operates on a distributorship model, and GAC in China has no direct ownership in the local company. Tell us more about the distributor – Salvador Caetano?

LR: Salvador Caetano dates back to 1946. With a presence in 44 countries across three continents, the company has 8 300 employees across more than 240 facilities.

The group maintains more than 165 importer contacts worldwide and collaborates with over 35 brands. In 2023, Salvador Caetano achieved a turnover of R7-billion and retailed over 147 000 vehicles, solidifying its position as the top automotive retailer in Spain and Portugal.

EN: For which countries in Africa is GAC SA responsible?

LR: GAC SA is currently only responsible for sales and distribution in South Africa.

EN: Which models are currently on offer in South Africa, and which models are set to be released in the next two years? Will this line-up include EVs?

LR: GAC SA has already introduced the GS3 EMZOOM to the local market. Building on this momentum, the brand has now launched its latest model, the GAC EMKOO.

The expansion of the range into the fully electric market is on the cards for next year.

GAC Motor’s commitment to the South African market is essential to the success of the brand. The brand continues to research local conditions to ensure that we are able to provide the South African market with the most appropriate products and services.

EN: There are a lot of Chinese SUVs entering the South African market. What will make GAC stand out from the crowd?

LR: GAC SA focuses on three attributes that underscore the value of their vehicles: craftsmanship, durability and quality. By focusing on these elements, the brand reinforces its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Underscored by the brand tag line ‘Where craft meets technology’, GAC vehicles are built with not only the latest technology, but with a lasting view on quality.

EN: Can Chinese brands continue to offer the price benefit they currently offer over traditional brands?

LR: GAC Motor strives to deliver the best craftsmanship, durability and quality product to the market at the most cost-effective pricing to ensure all brand and business partners are profitable.

EN: What is GAC SA's part/aftermarket/crash part strategy?

LR: GAC SA is committed to upholding high standards of performance and reliability through its comprehensive customer promise. Key elements of this promise include the National Mobile Technician programme. This means that GAC SA offers a nationwide mobile technician service, minimising downtime for customers.

We also maintain a six-month supply of parts, with a commitment to delivering these parts within a maximum of one day. This ensures quick availability and reduces vehicle service time. GAC SA also offers round-the-clock roadside assistance, providing support for unexpected issues that may arise on the road. In addition, all vehicles are sold with a five-year warranty and five-year service plan.

EN: Is local assembly on the menu in any way?

LR: The brand does continuous research to provide the South Africa market with the best quality product and services. Therefore, there is always the possibility to assembly locally. However, it is not something GAC Motor–Salvador Caetano is focusing on at this moment in time.