Latest news with #GACMotor
Mail & Guardian
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
The GAC GS3 Emzoom is a refreshing and a different offering in a flooded SUV market
Sporty and stylish: The GAC Emzoom is a refreshing addition to the compact SUV market. It might come to the point where we lose track of how many Chinese brands there are in South Africa. We might even begin to lose track of how many compact SUVs are in the market because it has become congested with them. Chinese brand GAC Motor entered two SUV models into the South African market in the middle of 2024: the Emzoom and the Emkoo. In typical fashion, both cars looked good and came with all the fancy technology that we have become accustomed to getting in Chinese cars. The Mail & Guardian got behind the wheel of the Emzoom, which is available in three variants: Comfort, Executive and R-Style. We were lucky enough to get the top-of-the-range R-Style model and I was pleasantly surprised. I knew that the exterior and interior were going to be appealing, because Chinese manufacturers always put a lot of emphasis on bringing out a neat product. However, I did find some styling similarities with BMWs. For starters, on the R-Line trim, the black grille gets three gold panels, much like some BMWs, which have M-specific colours on their grilles. The colour coding on the inside also provided some similarities. The same blue plastics you see around the aircon vents in BMWs are present in the Emzoom R-Style. This is probably because Thomas Schemera, who has held key roles at both BMW M and Hyundai, is now the chief operating officer and senior vice president of GAC International. Alongside the ambient lighting inside the Emzoom, the air conditioning and volume dials also get a rainbow light around them. These style features give the car a fun and sporty atmosphere. Manufacturers sometimes try too hard to make compact SUVs feel luxurious with fancy screens, decked out interiors and the absence of buttons. While the Emzoom still has the fancy screens and is decked out, it doesn't aim for a luxurious interior, but rather something that boosts adrenaline. The Emzoom comes with the standard 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine that we are accustomed to getting in Chinese compact SUVs. Paired with a dual-clutch transmission gearbox, it will deliver 130kW of power and 270Nm of torque. The coolest feature of the car is the exhaust system which is designed to produce sound through 'active exhaust valves'. These can be toggled between open and closed, allowing for a louder and more sporty sound when open, especially in the sport mode. It adds to the fun feel the Emzoom was meant to have. You could actually fool people into thinking you were driving a sports car. But this feature also has a downside. I became obsessed with the exhaust sound, continually putting the car into sport mode. This exposed the sensitivity of the accelerator, making the car move too quickly. This is not ideal when navigating into tight parking spots or even pulling into your garage. Besides that, the Emzoom provides excellent handling and effortlessly picks up speed when you need it to. I experienced some turbo-lag, but it was not bad at all. It didn't make the vehicle feel unresponsive. The other downside is the fuel consumption. This is a pretty compact vehicle and, while GAC claims a consumption figure of 6.2 litres/100km, I averaged 8.1 litres/100km. Overall, I really enjoyed the GAC GS3 Emzoom. It felt different and refreshing. I loved the fact that GAC went all out in making it a fun and sporty experience without producing a performance monster. You get everything you need — and the lovely exhaust sound as a bonus but, in a flooded SUV market, it is difficult to say whether the Emzoom will make a splash. Pricing GS3 EMZOOM 1.5L T Comfort — from: R419 900 GS3 EMZOOM 1.5L T Executive — from: R439 900 GS3 EMZOOM 1.5L T R-Style — from: R489 900
IOL News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
GAC Motor South Africa Accelerates into 2025 with Bold Innovation and Industry-First Moves
GAC Motor South Africa is entering 2025 with bold energy, a customer-first mindset, and a series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to solidify its position as a major player in the South African automotive market. With strategic price reductions, a historic industry-first warranty, new model launches, and dealer network expansion, GAC Motor is rewriting the rules of engagement in the industry — offering exceptional value, innovation, and quality to the South African consumer. Driving Change with Transparent Pricing In a move that underscores its commitment to transparency and customer-centric values, GAC Motor South Africa has announced a strategic price reduction on two of its most popular models — the GAC Emzoom and GAC Emkoo. This significant pricing realignment is not a promotional gimmick but rather a result of improved foreign exchange conditions and global cost-saving efficiencies that the company has opted to pass directly to consumers. 'Our customers deserve to benefit from favourable market conditions,' says Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of GAC Motor South Africa. 'This price drop reflects our investment in the market and our belief in long-term, honest relationships with our consumers and partners.' As of January 2025, the new retail pricing is: Emzoom Comfort : R419,900 Emzoom Executive : R439,900 Emzoom R-Style : R489,900 Emkoo Executive : R519,900 Emkoo Executive Plus : R559,900 This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to increase accessibility and value, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the South African market. A Warranty That Redefines Industry Standards Taking customer confidence to a new level, GAC Motor South Africa recently unveiled an industry-first Lifetime Engine Warranty across its entire vehicle lineup. This groundbreaking offer covers an unlimited number of years and mileage for the original vehicle owner, provided the car is serviced at authorised GAC Motor service centres using approved parts. This bold warranty initiative not only sets a new benchmark in customer service but also reflects GAC Motor's confidence in the quality, durability, and craftsmanship of its vehicles. It's a move designed to inspire trust and long-term loyalty among South African drivers. 'This warranty is a powerful promise — a declaration of the confidence we have in our products,' says Ramsoomar. 'It's about peace of mind, lifelong value, and building a brand that people can truly believe in.'
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Robotaxis set to launch this year, go fully driverless in 2026
Chinese autonomous vehicle (AV) technology company announced on Tuesday it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to deploy advanced robotaxi fleet in the region. will introduce autonomous driving technology through a multi-phase rollout. Initial supervised trials are set to launch in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026. The MoU comes following unveiling of its seventh-generation autonomous driving system alongside at the Shanghai Auto Show last month. According to 'the seventh-generation autonomous driving system features 100 per cent automotive-grade autonomous driving kit with an extended product lifecycle, delivering enhanced stability and safety for passengers. 'The autonomous driving kit hardware suite achieves a 70 per cent cost reduction while meeting stringent automotive-grade standards. (Our) advanced sensor array handles complex scenarios ranging from high-speed highways to crowed urban centres like Dubai's business and financial districts. The platform-based design enables rapid adaptation across different vehicle types,' the Chinese AV tech company added. added it 'plans to start mass production and deployment of its seventh-generation robotaxis in the second half of 2025 as part it of its global expansion." For vehicle production, is collaborating with Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor to develop its seventh-generation robotaxis. Mass deployment is slated for later this year, the company noted. In China, was the first autonomous driving company to offer fully driverless ride-hailing services across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Its fleet of around 300 Robotaxi vehicles serves key hubs such as Beijing South Railway Station and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, while navigating complex environments such as Shenzhen's densely populated Nanshan District, demonstrating scalable solutions adaptable to global urban environments. "We've built up real expertise in robotaxis from years of operations in China, and now we're bringing that know-how to Dubai,' said CFO Dr Leo Wang, adding: 'Our goal is to give residents and visitors here driverless tech that's not just greener and safer, but genuinely makes getting around this city easier for everyone. Wang noted: 'Dubai stands at the forefront of intelligent urban mobility innovation, and we are honored to collaborate with RTA on this transformative initiative. By combining our proven autonomous driving technology and extensive fleet operation experience, we are committed to accelerating Dubai's transition to autonomous transportation." He added the collaboration will introduce autonomous driving technology through a multi-phase rollout. Initial supervised trials are set to launch in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026. This is aligned with Dubai's 2030 Smart City Vision — which targets transitioning 25 per cent of the city's transportation to autonomous mode by 2030. Wang added there are long-term plans to integrate robotaxi services with Dubai's transport network, including metro, tram, and maritime routes. Back in October 2023, during Gitex Global, signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry to join Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, located in Masdar City.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Chinese brand GAC to ramp up South Africa expansion with new cars
Following its introduction to the South African market in 2024, Chinese car manufacturer GAC Motor is preparing to increase its presence in the country in 2025 with new products. "The year ahead will see the introduction of new models, advancements in electric mobility, and a continued expansion of the brand's national dealership network," it said. GAC is introducing the tech Aion Y electric crossover SUV and the all-new GAC M8. Updates and new derivatives across the existing range are also on the cards. Aion Y | image supplied Sustainable mobility: A focus on new energy GAC said it will be launching both a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (Phev) and a fully electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa. These additions reflect the company's commitment to sustainable driving solutions without compromising on performance, drive or quality. Expanding access: national dealer growth With 28 dealerships already in operation and plans to grow to 40 by the end of 2025, GAC is making investments to ensure customers across the country have access to its vehicles, as well as aftersales service and support. '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.'
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
GAC approves V-Class rival and EV Aion model for South Africa
An official launch date for both models will be announced in due course. Available since 2022 in China, the GAC M8 will debut in South Africa in 2025. Image: Having remained relatively quiet since announcing a price drop of up to R100 000 on its flagship model in January, GAC Motor South Africa importer, Salvador Caetano Auto, has confirmed two additional products for introduction this year. M8 Its local line-up currently consisting of the Emzoom and Emkoo, the surprise first addition since the marque's arrival last year will be the M8 MPV, aimed at the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Toyota Quantum VX and Kia Carnival. Sold under the Trumpchi banner in China and not as a GAC, the dramatic looking M8 made its world debut in 2022 as a second generation model complete with petrol, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. ALSO READ: GAC cuts Emzoom and Emkoo prices by as much as R100 000 The latter setup having resulted in it being called E9 and not M8, the former pair continue to be sold as M8 has measurements of 5 212 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 3 070 mm, height of 1 823 mm and width of 1 893 mm. Incorporating a styling language called Soaring Wings 2.0, the M8 provides seating for seven in a 2-2-3 arrangement, with the second row consisting of a pair of captain-style chairs that can recline in an ottoman fashion. According to Malaysia's notable specification items include a 12-speaker sound system or an optional 16-speaker audio developed by Yamaha, tri-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment system and two supplementary displays for the second row. M8 has been described as a rival for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Kia Carnival. Image: Dual sliding electric doors, an expansive panoramic sunroof, semi-autonomous driving tech and a surround-view camera system are additional features models en-route to South Africa could be fitted with On the power side, the petrol M8 makes do with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine sending 185kW/400Nm to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox Leveraging off of GAC's partnership with Toyota, the self-charging hybrid combines the same engine with an electric motor and battery pack for a total output of 177 kW. A Toyota-made CVT is the sole transmission available. Interior has little in common with the Emkoo and Emzoon on first glance. Image: >Introduced in 2023, the plug-in hybrid E9 pairs the 2.0-litre turbo with a 25.5-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor developing 132kW/300Nm on its own With the combustion unit's 140kW/330Nm factored in, the E9 outputs a total of 274kW/630Nm directed to all four wheels via a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The claimed all-electric range is 106 km, based on the NEDC ratings. With both combustion and EV mills operating, the E9 will travel a reported 1 032 km. Aion Y Plus All-electric Aion Y will make its long awaited debut later this year as well. Image: Announced during its formal market debut last year, the second new arrival will be long awaited all-electric Y sold under the EV-dedicated Aion brand. Set to be known as the GAC Aion Y and not Aion Y as in China, the MPV-styled model, which is classified as a compact crossover, made its world arrival in 2021 and has since spawned an improved model called the Aion Y Plus which will seemingly be the variant heading to South Africa. Updated in 2023 means the Aion Y carries the Plus suffix. Image: If so, the Y will have dimensions of 4 535 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 750 mm, height of 1 650 mm and width of 1 870 mm A five-seater unlike the M8 specification, from Malaysia where sales commenced last year, amounts to two variants, with items comprising 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, ventilated and electric front seats and a surround-view camera system. Interior has a typical minimalist design to it. Image: GAC Thailand Also included is a wireless smartphone charger, panoramic sunroof, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, to name a few. On the power front, the Aion Y, again in Plus form, offers a choice of two battery packs; a 50.6-kWh module allowing for a range of 410 km, and a bigger 63.2-kWh unit that makes 150kW/225Nm and results in a range of 490 km More soon As is stands, no launch date has yet been announced, however, expect to this within the coming weeks and months Additional information and images from NOW READ: GAC Emkoo throws surprise spanner in Chinese vehicle works
