During our coverage of the Beijing International Auto Show, Musab Shaasha, founder of ArabGT, conducted an interview with GAC Motor management to learn more about the company’s future plans and its latest products aimed at Middle Eastern markets.
Mousub Shaasha spoke with Wang, Vice President of Global Markets, alongside Masato Katsumata, Chief Technology Officer of GAC Motor.
The discussion focused specifically on the company’s strategy toward the Middle East, which it considers one of the most important global automotive markets, as well as the role of Africa within the brand’s international expansion plans.
The Middle East at the Top of GAC’s Priorities
GAC Motor executives confirmed during the interview that the Middle East represents one of the key pillars of the company’s global strategy. This is due to the region’s strong purchasing power, customer interest in advanced technology, design, and high quality, in addition to its strategic location connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.
As for Africa, the company views it as a promising long-term market with strong opportunities for future growth and expansion.
Diverse Powertrains for Different Markets
The company explained that it follows a multi-path powertrain strategy, including gasoline, hybrid, fully electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, depending on the needs of each market.
It noted that some Middle Eastern markets have become more receptive to electric and smart vehicles, while several African markets still rely more heavily on dependable traditional vehicles.
Local Expansion and Stronger Services
GAC Motor revealed its strong interest in expanding locally across the region, whether through strengthening sales networks and after-sales services, developing supply chains and spare parts operations, or studying opportunities for local production and cooperation with regional partners.
Management emphasized that competition today is not based solely on vehicle quality, but also on service standards, speed of support, and long-term customer trust.
New Models Tailored for the Region
The company highlighted recent models such as the i60 and N60, which represent part of GAC Motor’s push toward global vehicles suited for different markets.
These vehicles were developed to handle diverse operating conditions, including the Middle East’s high temperatures, long-distance driving needs, while also combining comfort, technology, and operational efficiency.
A Long-Term Vision for Growth
Company officials concluded by stressing that GAC Motor’s goal is not limited to increasing sales alone, but rather building a long-term presence in the Middle East and Africa through suitable products, strong services, and local partnerships that strengthen customer confidence and support the brand’s future growth.
