With the launch of GS4 model of cars and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) on Monday, GAC Motor has expanded its foray into the Nigerian automobile market. The leading Chinese automaker unveiled several designs of hi-tech GS4 series at an elaborate event held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The GS4 model becomes the first GAC-branded vehicles to be assembled in Nigeria since the auto firm ventured into the Nigerian market in 2013. Rather than importing directly from its plant in China, GAC Motors partnered with SKD Project to build a production plant where the vehicles were assembled locally. The GS4 model vehicles were assembled last month in Lagos.
At a press briefing held before the official presentation of the cars, GAC Motor General Manager, Mr Yu Jun, said the vehicles were designed with best technologies and modern gadgets, including Shadow2.0 and innovative lights described as highest level in international quality.
He said: “The signature GS4 cars are powered by world-best engines that make low fuel consumption possible. The vehicles are designed to have large spaces and are fitted with elegant exterior designs. We are bringing these premium products and services to exceed the expectations of Nigerian and African customers. We designed the vehicles to give users all-new driving experience and also bring about safer and more comfortable journey.”
Yun disclosed that the firm’s long term objective was to step up its growth by increasing its annual sales from 335,000 to one million cars sale in Africa. He said the premium quality offered by GAC Motor’s products was evident in the bulk purchase of the previous models by state governments, police stations and banks as official vehicles.
The auto firm’s manager said Nigerian market remained key to building its growth and service network in Africa, noting that the country is now part of the GAC Motor’s global production network, covering 14 countries.
Yun said: “As a fast growing automaker with an average annual growth rate of 80 per cent in the last five years, GAC Motor has sold 335,000 cars from January to November, 2016. This represents 111 per cent year-to-year increase. In the coming year, we have plans to increase to one million sales.
“The company has kept in tune with the world automobile market since its establishment. We have sustained adherence to original designs and international standards in building world-class automobile manufacturing system, which is centred on the company’s global research and development network with the support of strong production capacities and global supply chain. We have set out on a growth path that is positioned to high-end market, quality and innovation.”
Guests at the formal presentation of the GS4 models included the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Lai Mohammed, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, representative of the Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, Chinese Consul-General in Nigeria, Chao Xiaoliang, Nollywood actresses, Stephanie Linus and Kate Henshaw, among others.
GAC Motor is a subsidiary of GAC group. It is ranked fifth in 2016 China Initial Quality Study conducted by J.D. Power Asia Pacific.