GAC's Strategies for International Growth Through Multiple Design Centers Worldwide
GAC Unveils Global Battery-Electric Vehicle, Aiming for European Market Domination
Chinese automaker GAC has announced the launch of a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) aimed at the European market. The BEV, which is a global product, will be designed and developed in part by GAC's European design studios, located in Milan, Italy, and in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, USA.
The BEV boasts a claimed range of 267 miles (430 km) and a top speed of 99 mph (159 km/h). Under the hood, or rather, under the floor, is a 60-kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack powering a front axle-mounted electric motor with a maximum power output of 135 hp.
The design of the BEV was led by GAC's vice president of R&D, Zhang Fan, and executive design director, Benoit Jacob, who joined the company late last year. Jacob, a renowned designer with a career spanning Renault, Volkswagen, BMW, Byton, and Nio, played a significant role in shaping the BEV.
The BEV's cabin is equipped with a 14.6-in. infotainment touchscreen and an 8.8-in. digital instrument panel. The vehicle is expected to retail for less than €30,000 ($35,198) when it reaches European markets next year.
GAC is not new to the European market, having already sold the Aion UT, a global model, in China. The Aion UT, a direct rival to other compact BEVs such as Volkswagen's ID.3 and the MG 4, will undergo modest alterations to comply with European Union vehicle and safety regulations.
Jacob suggests that a single vehicle platform can be modified to appear radically different in different markets, with potential differences in design appeal between China and Europe. This adaptability is crucial for GAC as they aim to double their current global sales, targeting an annual sales target in Europe of 2 million vehicles by 2028.
To achieve this, GAC will continue to design cars for the Chinese market while also tailoring designs to differing markets. In addition to its studios in Milan, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, GAC has a fourth studio in Los Angeles focused on designing big SUVs.
With its global expansion strategy and commitment to designing vehicles that cater to individual market tastes, GAC is poised to make a significant impact in the European automotive market.
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