Latest news with #JasonPecotic
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
China's GAC confirms Australian launch and top 10 goal, plans BYD Shark rival
Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will launch three new cars including Aion EVs (electric vehicles) in Australia this October under a factory-led program – and there's a BYD Shark-rivalling dual-cab electrified ute in the pipeline, too. Jason Pecotic has been appointed chief operating officer of GAC Australia. He posted online a callout looking for local dealers for the new venture and has confirmed the news to CarExpert. The company is looking to introduce three models across 30 dealers from its planned October 2025 launch, with an eight-model range by 2029. It's gunning for a top ten spot on the Australian sales chart by then, which would mean – based on 2024's new-car market – around 43,000 annual sales, a figure which saw Chinese brand GWM sit in 10th position last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Aion V Mr Pecotic has confirmed the petrol-powered GAC Trumpchi GS3 Enzoom – a Nissan Qashqai-sized five-seat SUV – the GAC Trumpchi E9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) people mover, and the Toyota RAV4-sized battery-electric Aion V SUV. While GAC offers three separate brands in China – Aion, China-only brand GAC Trumpchi, and Hyptec which it launched its 'SSR' supercar under – all its vehicles will be sold under the GAC brand in Australia. While specifics of the second wave of models after this October's planned launch are yet to be confirmed, GAC has said they will include a hybrid SUV and electric hatch – potentially the Aion UT – in 2026. This will be followed by yet another hybrid SUV and a dual-cab ute in 2027, with GAC having shown off the Pickup 01, with styling seemingly inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck, earlier this year. Above: GAC Trumpchi E9 The factory-driven launch comes after GAC dropped plans to supply vehicles to our market through a third-party distributor, which had also announced plans for the brand to be a top 10 player here by 2030. AGA Auto was appointed GAC's Australian distributor in 2022, and told CarExpert in May 2024 it planned to bring vehicles here during the second half of 2025. The announcement follows that of fellow Chinese brand BYD, which took over local operations from distributor EVDirect in July 2025 as it reshuffled its leadership, including naming former Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, as its chief operating officer. It also announced BYD's premium Denza brand – scheduled to be launched in Australia around October 2025 – will be managed by former Holden marketing chief, Mark Harland. MORE: Another Chinese automaker drops an Australian distributor Content originally sourced from: Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will launch three new cars including Aion EVs (electric vehicles) in Australia this October under a factory-led program – and there's a BYD Shark-rivalling dual-cab electrified ute in the pipeline, too. Jason Pecotic has been appointed chief operating officer of GAC Australia. He posted online a callout looking for local dealers for the new venture and has confirmed the news to CarExpert. The company is looking to introduce three models across 30 dealers from its planned October 2025 launch, with an eight-model range by 2029. It's gunning for a top ten spot on the Australian sales chart by then, which would mean – based on 2024's new-car market – around 43,000 annual sales, a figure which saw Chinese brand GWM sit in 10th position last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Aion V Mr Pecotic has confirmed the petrol-powered GAC Trumpchi GS3 Enzoom – a Nissan Qashqai-sized five-seat SUV – the GAC Trumpchi E9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) people mover, and the Toyota RAV4-sized battery-electric Aion V SUV. While GAC offers three separate brands in China – Aion, China-only brand GAC Trumpchi, and Hyptec which it launched its 'SSR' supercar under – all its vehicles will be sold under the GAC brand in Australia. While specifics of the second wave of models after this October's planned launch are yet to be confirmed, GAC has said they will include a hybrid SUV and electric hatch – potentially the Aion UT – in 2026. This will be followed by yet another hybrid SUV and a dual-cab ute in 2027, with GAC having shown off the Pickup 01, with styling seemingly inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck, earlier this year. Above: GAC Trumpchi E9 The factory-driven launch comes after GAC dropped plans to supply vehicles to our market through a third-party distributor, which had also announced plans for the brand to be a top 10 player here by 2030. AGA Auto was appointed GAC's Australian distributor in 2022, and told CarExpert in May 2024 it planned to bring vehicles here during the second half of 2025. The announcement follows that of fellow Chinese brand BYD, which took over local operations from distributor EVDirect in July 2025 as it reshuffled its leadership, including naming former Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, as its chief operating officer. It also announced BYD's premium Denza brand – scheduled to be launched in Australia around October 2025 – will be managed by former Holden marketing chief, Mark Harland. MORE: Another Chinese automaker drops an Australian distributor Content originally sourced from: Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will launch three new cars including Aion EVs (electric vehicles) in Australia this October under a factory-led program – and there's a BYD Shark-rivalling dual-cab electrified ute in the pipeline, too. Jason Pecotic has been appointed chief operating officer of GAC Australia. He posted online a callout looking for local dealers for the new venture and has confirmed the news to CarExpert. The company is looking to introduce three models across 30 dealers from its planned October 2025 launch, with an eight-model range by 2029. It's gunning for a top ten spot on the Australian sales chart by then, which would mean – based on 2024's new-car market – around 43,000 annual sales, a figure which saw Chinese brand GWM sit in 10th position last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Aion V Mr Pecotic has confirmed the petrol-powered GAC Trumpchi GS3 Enzoom – a Nissan Qashqai-sized five-seat SUV – the GAC Trumpchi E9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) people mover, and the Toyota RAV4-sized battery-electric Aion V SUV. While GAC offers three separate brands in China – Aion, China-only brand GAC Trumpchi, and Hyptec which it launched its 'SSR' supercar under – all its vehicles will be sold under the GAC brand in Australia. While specifics of the second wave of models after this October's planned launch are yet to be confirmed, GAC has said they will include a hybrid SUV and electric hatch – potentially the Aion UT – in 2026. This will be followed by yet another hybrid SUV and a dual-cab ute in 2027, with GAC having shown off the Pickup 01, with styling seemingly inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck, earlier this year. Above: GAC Trumpchi E9 The factory-driven launch comes after GAC dropped plans to supply vehicles to our market through a third-party distributor, which had also announced plans for the brand to be a top 10 player here by 2030. AGA Auto was appointed GAC's Australian distributor in 2022, and told CarExpert in May 2024 it planned to bring vehicles here during the second half of 2025. The announcement follows that of fellow Chinese brand BYD, which took over local operations from distributor EVDirect in July 2025 as it reshuffled its leadership, including naming former Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, as its chief operating officer. It also announced BYD's premium Denza brand – scheduled to be launched in Australia around October 2025 – will be managed by former Holden marketing chief, Mark Harland. MORE: Another Chinese automaker drops an Australian distributor Content originally sourced from: Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will launch three new cars including Aion EVs (electric vehicles) in Australia this October under a factory-led program – and there's a BYD Shark-rivalling dual-cab electrified ute in the pipeline, too. Jason Pecotic has been appointed chief operating officer of GAC Australia. He posted online a callout looking for local dealers for the new venture and has confirmed the news to CarExpert. The company is looking to introduce three models across 30 dealers from its planned October 2025 launch, with an eight-model range by 2029. It's gunning for a top ten spot on the Australian sales chart by then, which would mean – based on 2024's new-car market – around 43,000 annual sales, a figure which saw Chinese brand GWM sit in 10th position last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Aion V Mr Pecotic has confirmed the petrol-powered GAC Trumpchi GS3 Enzoom – a Nissan Qashqai-sized five-seat SUV – the GAC Trumpchi E9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) people mover, and the Toyota RAV4-sized battery-electric Aion V SUV. While GAC offers three separate brands in China – Aion, China-only brand GAC Trumpchi, and Hyptec which it launched its 'SSR' supercar under – all its vehicles will be sold under the GAC brand in Australia. While specifics of the second wave of models after this October's planned launch are yet to be confirmed, GAC has said they will include a hybrid SUV and electric hatch – potentially the Aion UT – in 2026. This will be followed by yet another hybrid SUV and a dual-cab ute in 2027, with GAC having shown off the Pickup 01, with styling seemingly inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck, earlier this year. Above: GAC Trumpchi E9 The factory-driven launch comes after GAC dropped plans to supply vehicles to our market through a third-party distributor, which had also announced plans for the brand to be a top 10 player here by 2030. AGA Auto was appointed GAC's Australian distributor in 2022, and told CarExpert in May 2024 it planned to bring vehicles here during the second half of 2025. The announcement follows that of fellow Chinese brand BYD, which took over local operations from distributor EVDirect in July 2025 as it reshuffled its leadership, including naming former Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, as its chief operating officer. It also announced BYD's premium Denza brand – scheduled to be launched in Australia around October 2025 – will be managed by former Holden marketing chief, Mark Harland. MORE: Another Chinese automaker drops an Australian distributor Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
China's GAC confirms Australian launch and top 10 goal, plans BYD Shark rival
Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will launch three new cars including Aion EVs (electric vehicles) in Australia this October under a factory-led program – and there's a BYD Shark-rivalling dual-cab electrified ute in the pipeline, too. Jason Pecotic has been appointed chief operating officer of GAC Australia. He posted online a callout looking for local dealers for the new venture and has confirmed the news to CarExpert. The company is looking to introduce three models across 30 dealers from its planned October 2025 launch, with an eight-model range by 2029. It's gunning for a top ten spot on the Australian sales chart by then, which would mean – based on 2024's new-car market – around 43,000 annual sales, a figure which saw Chinese brand GWM sit in 10th position last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Aion V Mr Pecotic has confirmed the petrol-powered GAC Trumpchi GS3 Enzoom – a Nissan Qashqai-sized five-seat SUV – the GAC Trumpchi E9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) people mover, and the Toyota RAV4-sized battery-electric Aion V SUV. While GAC offers three separate brands in China – Aion, China-only brand GAC Trumpchi, and Hyptec which it launched its 'SSR' supercar under – all its vehicles will be sold under the GAC brand in Australia. While specifics of the second wave of models after this October's planned launch are yet to be confirmed, GAC has said they will include a hybrid SUV and electric hatch – potentially the Aion UT – in 2026. This will be followed by yet another hybrid SUV and a dual-cab ute in 2027, with GAC having shown off the Pickup 01, with styling seemingly inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck, earlier this year. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: GAC Trumpchi E9 The factory-driven launch comes after GAC dropped plans to supply vehicles to our market through a third-party distributor, which had also announced plans for the brand to be a top 10 player here by 2030. AGA Auto was appointed GAC's Australian distributor in 2022, and told CarExpert in May 2024 it planned to bring vehicles here during the second half of 2025. The announcement follows that of fellow Chinese brand BYD, which took over local operations from distributor EVDirect in July 2025 as it reshuffled its leadership, including naming former Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, as its chief operating officer. It also announced BYD's premium Denza brand – scheduled to be launched in Australia around October 2025 – will be managed by former Holden marketing chief, Mark Harland. MORE: Another Chinese automaker drops an Australian distributor
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
China's GAC confirms Australian launch and top 10 goal, plans BYD Shark rival
Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) will launch three new cars including Aion EVs (electric vehicles) in Australia this October under a factory-led program – and there's a BYD Shark -rivalling dual-cab electrified ute in the pipeline, too. Jason Pecotic has been appointed chief operating officer of GAC Australia. He posted online a callout looking for local dealers for the new venture and has confirmed the news to CarExpert. The company is looking to introduce three models across 30 dealers from its planned October 2025 launch, with an eight-model range by 2029. It's gunning for a top ten spot on the Australian sales chart by then, which would mean – based on 2024's new-car market – around 43,000 annual sales, a figure which saw Chinese brand GWM sit in 10th position last year. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Above: Aion V Mr Pecotic has confirmed the petrol-powered GAC Trumpchi GS3 Enzoom – a Nissan Qashqai -sized five-seat SUV – the GAC Trumpchi E9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) people mover, and the Toyota RAV4 -sized battery-electric Aion V SUV. While GAC offers three separate brands in China – Aion, China-only brand GAC Trumpchi, and Hyptec which it launched its 'SSR' supercar under – all its vehicles will be sold under the GAC brand in Australia. While specifics of the second wave of models after this October's planned launch are yet to be confirmed, GAC has said they will include a hybrid SUV and electric hatch – potentially the Aion UT – in 2026. This will be followed by yet another hybrid SUV and a dual-cab ute in 2027, with GAC having shown off the Pickup 01, with styling seemingly inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck, earlier this year. Above: GAC Trumpchi E9 The factory-driven launch comes after GAC dropped plans to supply vehicles to our market through a third-party distributor, which had also announced plans for the brand to be a top 10 player here by 2030. AGA Auto was appointed GAC's Australian distributor in 2022, and told CarExpert in May 2024 it planned to bring vehicles here during the second half of 2025. The announcement follows that of fellow Chinese brand BYD, which took over local operations from distributor EVDirect in July 2025 as it reshuffled its leadership, including naming former Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, as its chief operating officer. It also announced BYD's premium Denza brand – scheduled to be launched in Australia around October 2025 – will be managed by former Holden marketing chief, Mark Harland.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Another Chinese automaker drops an Australian distributor
Chinese car brand GAC has cancelled a deal to distribute its cars in Australia through local company AGA Auto, stepping in to establish its own operations instead. It's the second Chinese manufacturer to take over Australian distribution this year following BYD's July 1 takeover from local company EVDirect. Guangzhou-based GAC sells petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in China, the Middle East, South America and Europe. As well as GAC-badged cars, it also sells cars under the Aion brand, GAC Trumpchi (only sold in China) and has a premium brand called Hyptec which it used to launch its stunning SSR electric supercar. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. A deal with Sydney-based AGA Auto to distribute cars in Australia was signed in 2022, but that has now been cancelled, with GAC set to enter Australia as a factory-backed operation after delays given the restructuring. "We have moved from a distributor-based model to an OEM direct-to-market approach, given hyper-competitiveness of the market," Jason Pecotic, GAC Australia chief operating officer (COO), told CarExpert. "The distributor is still part of the GAC fold, and we'll continue to work together with them running a number of dealers within our Australian network." Mr Pecotic became COO of GAC's local operation in April 2025 as the automaker geared up for an Australian launch, with AGA Auto CEO Charles Lau confirming the separation. "GAC and AGA have been undergoing background negotiation and handovers… and [AGA is] no longer the distributor for GAC Australia as GAC is looking to enter on an OEM operation," said Mr Lau. "We have other brands soon to be announced in due course and will keep you posted." Chinese automakers have taken over from local distributors in the past, and often gone on to enjoy greater success. Before GWM distributed its own vehicles here, for example, they were sold by Ateco which also briefly handled the Chery brand. MORE: China's GAC confirms Australian launch date, plans BYD Shark rival MORE: BYD drops local importer EVDirect, will distribute vehicles in Australia itself Content originally sourced from: Chinese car brand GAC has cancelled a deal to distribute its cars in Australia through local company AGA Auto, stepping in to establish its own operations instead. It's the second Chinese manufacturer to take over Australian distribution this year following BYD's July 1 takeover from local company EVDirect. Guangzhou-based GAC sells petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in China, the Middle East, South America and Europe. As well as GAC-badged cars, it also sells cars under the Aion brand, GAC Trumpchi (only sold in China) and has a premium brand called Hyptec which it used to launch its stunning SSR electric supercar. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. A deal with Sydney-based AGA Auto to distribute cars in Australia was signed in 2022, but that has now been cancelled, with GAC set to enter Australia as a factory-backed operation after delays given the restructuring. "We have moved from a distributor-based model to an OEM direct-to-market approach, given hyper-competitiveness of the market," Jason Pecotic, GAC Australia chief operating officer (COO), told CarExpert. "The distributor is still part of the GAC fold, and we'll continue to work together with them running a number of dealers within our Australian network." Mr Pecotic became COO of GAC's local operation in April 2025 as the automaker geared up for an Australian launch, with AGA Auto CEO Charles Lau confirming the separation. "GAC and AGA have been undergoing background negotiation and handovers… and [AGA is] no longer the distributor for GAC Australia as GAC is looking to enter on an OEM operation," said Mr Lau. "We have other brands soon to be announced in due course and will keep you posted." Chinese automakers have taken over from local distributors in the past, and often gone on to enjoy greater success. Before GWM distributed its own vehicles here, for example, they were sold by Ateco which also briefly handled the Chery brand. MORE: China's GAC confirms Australian launch date, plans BYD Shark rival MORE: BYD drops local importer EVDirect, will distribute vehicles in Australia itself Content originally sourced from: Chinese car brand GAC has cancelled a deal to distribute its cars in Australia through local company AGA Auto, stepping in to establish its own operations instead. It's the second Chinese manufacturer to take over Australian distribution this year following BYD's July 1 takeover from local company EVDirect. Guangzhou-based GAC sells petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in China, the Middle East, South America and Europe. As well as GAC-badged cars, it also sells cars under the Aion brand, GAC Trumpchi (only sold in China) and has a premium brand called Hyptec which it used to launch its stunning SSR electric supercar. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. A deal with Sydney-based AGA Auto to distribute cars in Australia was signed in 2022, but that has now been cancelled, with GAC set to enter Australia as a factory-backed operation after delays given the restructuring. "We have moved from a distributor-based model to an OEM direct-to-market approach, given hyper-competitiveness of the market," Jason Pecotic, GAC Australia chief operating officer (COO), told CarExpert. "The distributor is still part of the GAC fold, and we'll continue to work together with them running a number of dealers within our Australian network." Mr Pecotic became COO of GAC's local operation in April 2025 as the automaker geared up for an Australian launch, with AGA Auto CEO Charles Lau confirming the separation. "GAC and AGA have been undergoing background negotiation and handovers… and [AGA is] no longer the distributor for GAC Australia as GAC is looking to enter on an OEM operation," said Mr Lau. "We have other brands soon to be announced in due course and will keep you posted." Chinese automakers have taken over from local distributors in the past, and often gone on to enjoy greater success. Before GWM distributed its own vehicles here, for example, they were sold by Ateco which also briefly handled the Chery brand. MORE: China's GAC confirms Australian launch date, plans BYD Shark rival MORE: BYD drops local importer EVDirect, will distribute vehicles in Australia itself Content originally sourced from: Chinese car brand GAC has cancelled a deal to distribute its cars in Australia through local company AGA Auto, stepping in to establish its own operations instead. It's the second Chinese manufacturer to take over Australian distribution this year following BYD's July 1 takeover from local company EVDirect. Guangzhou-based GAC sells petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in China, the Middle East, South America and Europe. As well as GAC-badged cars, it also sells cars under the Aion brand, GAC Trumpchi (only sold in China) and has a premium brand called Hyptec which it used to launch its stunning SSR electric supercar. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. A deal with Sydney-based AGA Auto to distribute cars in Australia was signed in 2022, but that has now been cancelled, with GAC set to enter Australia as a factory-backed operation after delays given the restructuring. "We have moved from a distributor-based model to an OEM direct-to-market approach, given hyper-competitiveness of the market," Jason Pecotic, GAC Australia chief operating officer (COO), told CarExpert. "The distributor is still part of the GAC fold, and we'll continue to work together with them running a number of dealers within our Australian network." Mr Pecotic became COO of GAC's local operation in April 2025 as the automaker geared up for an Australian launch, with AGA Auto CEO Charles Lau confirming the separation. "GAC and AGA have been undergoing background negotiation and handovers… and [AGA is] no longer the distributor for GAC Australia as GAC is looking to enter on an OEM operation," said Mr Lau. "We have other brands soon to be announced in due course and will keep you posted." Chinese automakers have taken over from local distributors in the past, and often gone on to enjoy greater success. Before GWM distributed its own vehicles here, for example, they were sold by Ateco which also briefly handled the Chery brand. MORE: China's GAC confirms Australian launch date, plans BYD Shark rival MORE: BYD drops local importer EVDirect, will distribute vehicles in Australia itself Content originally sourced from:
