GAC Motor only has two products on offer in South Africa, but all of that is about to change with the introduction of a new BEV SUV and luxury MPV…
Image: GAC Motorrica, 
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GAC Motor has had a fairly anonymous start to its life in South Africa with the introduction of the Emkoo and Emzoon SUVs. The Chinese automaker has now announced that this will change, with two models touted for a 2025 arrival. The newcomers will also be offered in both traditional and electric configurations in the ever-evolving market.
These will include the Aion Y, which will also serve in the SUV segment, but as a high-tech all-electric option. In addition to this will be the GAC Motor M8, which will go up against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Volkswagen and Toyota in the MPV segment. Perhaps most significantly is that these models will be the first from GAC Motor to feature some form of electrification, either a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) or a full Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).
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While final specs and local pricing are still under wraps, a little bit of digging reveals two models that could help make more of an impression for GAC Motor on the local market. The M8 MPV will likely be offered as a traditional ICE and as a PHEV. The ICE iteration boasts a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 185 kW and 400 N.m which is delivered to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The all-electric alternative can deliver as much as 274 kW depending on the market. Based on foreign iterations, the inside is expectedly to be tech-filled. It includes features like a 14.6-inch multi-functional touch screen and a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel.
It’s Aion Y is a compact all-electric SUV which will slot in with the Emkoo and Emzoom. Under the bonnet and floor pan is a front axle-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, which is good for 135 kW and 225 N.m. Paired with a 63.2 kWh battery, it can travel as far as 490 km on an NEDC cycle and can complete the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds. The futuristic-looking model features the same 14.6-inch central screen from the M8 MPV mentioned above. Worth noting that specification may differ when these models are homologated for South Africa.
“We’re entering a very exciting phase for GAC Motor in South Africa,” says Brian Smith, Marketing Director of GAC Motor South Africa. “The developments planned for 2025 reflect our long-term commitment to the market and to offering South Africans more choice in advanced, reliable mobility.”
South Africa has shown an interest in hybrid vehicles, but fully electric alternatives have not seen as much interest. Regardless, the Chinese automaker is continuing ahead with the push and plans on a dealership network expansion to reach more customers going forward. Quite boldly, the automaker plans on having 40 national dealerships by the close of the year (up from the existing 28).
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