GAC Group Launches European Expansion with Poland as First Foothold
chinese automotive manufacturer GAC Group is initiating its European expansion with the opening of its first showroom in Poland. Despite recent financial challenges,GAC aims to compete with established electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers like BYD and NIO,bringing its Aion and Hyptec brands to the european market.
Founded in 1997, GAC began as a component supplier for Toyota and Honda through joint ventures before developing its own brands. Its primary marque,Trumpchi (internationally known as Gac Motor),focuses on sedans and SUVs. In 2017, GAC launched Gac Aion, a dedicated EV brand which quickly rose to become the third-largest EV manufacturer in China in just a few years, selling nearly 500,000 electric cars in 2023 – trailing only Tesla and BYD.
Currently operating in over 70 countries across Southeast Asia and Africa,GAC is now prioritizing Europe as a key growth market,investing in overseas production facilities alongside its retail expansion. Poland was selected as the initial entry point due to its status as one of the fastest-growing EV markets in Central Europe and its strategic geographic location for further European distribution.
The first models to arrive in Poland will be the Aion V, an electric SUV, and the Hyptec HT, positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model X.
Aion V: A Practical Electric SUV
The Aion V is a 4.6-meter long SUV with a 2775mm wheelbase, promising a spacious interior. It’s powered by a 204hp electric motor, achieving 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h. The vehicle utilizes a 75.3 kWh Lithium iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a range of up to 700 km in city driving and approximately 510 km in mixed conditions.
The Aion V supports DC fast charging up to 180 kW and AC charging up to 11 kW. Even the base model includes features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, sound-insulating glass, a heat pump, and a suite of safety assistance systems. Higher trim levels will offer leather upholstery, massage functions, and an in-car refrigerator.
Hyptec HT: A Premium Electric Offering
The Hyptec HT is GAC’s entry into the premium EV segment, sharing stylistic similarities with the Tesla Model X but in a slightly more compact 4.9-meter length. featuring upward-opening doors, the HT emphasizes both aesthetics and passenger convenience.
Powered by a 244hp electric motor, the Hyptec HT accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 183 km/h. Its 72.7 kWh LFP battery provides a range of up to 577 km in the city and around 445 km in mixed driving. The HT supports charging at up to 163 kW.
The interior boasts luxury appointments including Nappa leather upholstery,a panoramic sunroof with an electric curtain,and 12-way electrically adjustable seats. The Hyptec HT will be offered in a single, fully-equipped configuration.
GAC intends to leverage competitive pricing to attract initial customers in Europe. the success of this venture in the coming year will determine GAC’s ability to establish a significant presence among European drivers and challenge established automotive brands.
