Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co. Ltd. (GAC Motor) traveled some 7,800 miles to globally reveal its new signature sedan, the GA4, at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. And, while the GA4 goes on sale in January 2018 in China, the company says it doesn’t have plans now to sell the car in the U.S.
So, what gives? The Chinese automaker chose the Detroit auto show for the reveal because it has plans to enter the North American and U.S. market in the fourth quarter of 2019 with the GS8, a midsize luxury SUV that seats seven. The GA4, then, was more a display of GAC’s abilities as a carmaker as opposed to its first step in U.S. sales.
GAC Motor sold a half-million vehicles last year and set up sales and services networks in 14 countries. The Chinese automaker thinks the U.S. and European markets are critical to its global growth plans, said Feng Xingya, president of the GAC Group and chairman of GAC Motor.
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World class quality promised
“By emphasizing independent and innovative research, adhering to the highest international standards in product quality and establishing world-class car manufacturing systems, we aim to become a world-class brand built on highly developed production, R&D and marketing capabilities,” Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor, said in a statement.
The stylish GA4 is described by the carmaker as a quality family sedan with a good amount of interior space and comfort. The front of the GA4 features a wide grille featuring three chrome horizontal lines, centered with the company’s G shaped logo, flanking the headlights. The GA4’s rear features curved LED taillights.
The interior includes creature comforts such as power adjustable and heated seats and a connected entertainment system anchored by an 8-inch screen. GAC plans later in 2018 to announce a new English brand name and marketing strategy. It plans to set up a North America sales company this year.
