GAC prepares to produce ‘Yichang-made’ new energy vehicles
2024-01-29 17:01:51
By Chen Si, Yichang International Communication Studio
Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will upgrade its Yichang factory’s existing production lines in preparation for new energy vehicle manufacturing within this year, company executives said.
GAC's Yichang plant currently only produces fuel-powered vehicles. "At the beginning of the construction of the Yichang plant, we planned and designed for a new energy vehicle production line. This allows us to modify some of the special processes of the existing line," said Liang Weibiao, deputy general manager of GAC MOTOR Co., Ltd. and general manager of the Yichang branch.
The GS3 SUV, which was designed with young consumers in mind, was launched in early 2023. After its export in June, it became popular in overseas markets where it commanded an average pricing premium of 20 percent, reaching up to 50 percent in some countries.
"The Empow is also very popular in overseas markets, and some countries have even extended offers to GAC to build factories there," Liang said.
GAC's plant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is expected to start production this year, mainly producing the GS3 and Empow models. The Yichang plant will serve as the “mother factory” and provide it with upper stream components.
On January 17, 230 Yichang-made GAC vehicles were exported for the first time via the China-Europe Express. With this planned transformation of the production line, more "Yichang-made" cars are expected to enter the international market.
GAC Motor Yichang factory
Photo by Pei Xiao
Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will upgrade its Yichang factory’s existing production lines in preparation for new energy vehicle manufacturing within this year, company executives said.
GAC's Yichang plant currently only produces fuel-powered vehicles. "At the beginning of the construction of the Yichang plant, we planned and designed for a new energy vehicle production line. This allows us to modify some of the special processes of the existing line," said Liang Weibiao, deputy general manager of GAC MOTOR Co., Ltd. and general manager of the Yichang branch.
The GS3 SUV, which was designed with young consumers in mind, was launched in early 2023. After its export in June, it became popular in overseas markets where it commanded an average pricing premium of 20 percent, reaching up to 50 percent in some countries.
"The Empow is also very popular in overseas markets, and some countries have even extended offers to GAC to build factories there," Liang said.
GAC's plant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is expected to start production this year, mainly producing the GS3 and Empow models. The Yichang plant will serve as the “mother factory” and provide it with upper stream components.
On January 17, 230 Yichang-made GAC vehicles were exported for the first time via the China-Europe Express. With this planned transformation of the production line, more "Yichang-made" cars are expected to enter the international market.
GAC Motor Yichang factoryPhoto by Pei Xiao
