GAC Group (Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer founded in 1997, evolving from a local joint venture into a global automotive powerhouse with innovations in electric vehicles and international partnerships.
The predecessor of GAC Group, the Guangzhou Automobile Repairing Factory, was established to repair vehicles for the local government. This laid the groundwork for future automotive manufacturing.
The factory was upgraded to the Guangzhou Automotive Manufacturing Factory, starting limited production of buses and trucks.
Guangzhou Automobile entered a joint venture with French automaker Peugeot to produce the Peugeot 505 sedan, marking its first major partnership.
Official founding of GAC Group as a state-owned enterprise, consolidating various automotive assets. The company aimed to develop independent manufacturing capabilities.
GAC formed Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., producing the Honda Accord. This became a highly successful partnership, boosting GAC's reputation.
GAC launched its first self-owned brand, Gonow, focusing on SUVs and pickup trucks, though it later ceased operations.
GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. was established, assembling popular models like the Camry and Corolla, significantly expanding GAC's production capacity.
GAC Group went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising capital for expansion and brand development.
GAC introduced the Trumpchi (Chuanqi) brand, its flagship independent passenger car brand, aiming to compete in the mid-to-high-end market.
Established a dedicated R&D center to develop core technologies for independent brands. #R&D
The first Trumpchi sedan, the GA5, based on Alfa Romeo technology, was launched, marking GAC's entry into proprietary passenger vehicle production.
GAC Group completed an A-share listing on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, providing additional capital for growth.
GAC Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Co., Ltd. was formed to produce Jeep vehicles in China.
GAC Honda launched the Everus EV, an early electric vehicle, signaling GAC's shift toward new energy vehicles.
The Trumpchi GS4 compact SUV became a bestseller in China, establishing GAC as a major player in the SUV market.
GAC formed a subsidiary focused on electric vehicles, later branded as Aion, to accelerate EV development.
GAC launched the Trumpchi GA8 flagship sedan, showcasing its advanced design and technology, aimed at the premium segment.
GAC Mitsubishi Motors Co., Ltd. was established, producing Mitsubishi models for the Chinese market.
GAC revealed plans for a highly automated smart factory to boost production efficiency and quality. #manufacturing #Industry4.0
GAC NE rebranded as Aion, dedicated to high-end electric vehicles, with models like the Aion S.
GAC Honda introduced the Hao Ying SUV, a twin model to the Honda CR-V, strengthening its SUV lineup.
GAC became a technology partner for a Formula E team, leveraging motorsport to develop EV technology.
GAC began exporting Trumpchi models to Middle Eastern markets, marking its international expansion push.
The Aion V, an all-electric compact SUV featuring advanced driver assistance systems, was introduced.
The Trumpchi Empow, a sporty sedan, was launched, targeting younger consumers with aggressive styling.
GAC launched the Trumpchi M8 and M6 multi-purpose vehicles, targeting families and commercial use.
The Aion S electric sedan reached 100,000 cumulative sales, making it one of China's best-selling EVs.
GAC partnered with Tencent to develop smart cockpit solutions using AI and cloud services.
GAC Group announced total vehicle sales of over 2.4 million units, a record high, driven by joint ventures and own brands.
GAC formed a joint venture with CATL to build a battery factory, securing supply for its EVs.
Aion launched the Hyper GT, a high-performance electric sedan with scissor doors and advanced autonomous driving.
The second-generation Aion V featured updated design and improved range, competing in the compact EV SUV segment.
GAC announced plans to enter the Indonesian automotive market, expanding its Southeast Asian presence.
The Trumpchi E9, a luxury plug-in hybrid MPV, was introduced, combining electric range with practicality.
GAC deepened cooperation with Huawei to integrate Huawei's autonomous driving technologies into future models.
GAC demonstrated a solid-state battery prototype promising higher energy density and safety for future EVs.
GAC began construction of an assembly plant in Thailand, its first overseas manufacturing base, to serve ASEAN markets.
GAC announced a partnership with Nvidia to develop next-generation AI-powered cockpits using Nvidia's Drive platform.
The Trumpchi GS3 Power received a facelift with new design and tech features, maintaining competitiveness in the subcompact SUV segment.
GAC Group was listed among Fortune Global 500 companies, reflecting its scale and global influence.
GAC launched the Aion Y Plus, a compact electric crossover with enhanced features, targeting urban buyers.
Production of the Aion Hyper SSR, an all-electric supercar with over 1,200 hp, started, showcasing GAC's high-performance EV capabilities.
GAC reported that over half of its sales came from new energy vehicles (EVs and PHEVs), marking a significant shift.
The Trumpchi Empow R, a high-performance version with a turbocharged engine, was launched targeting enthusiasts.