Gasgoo Munich- On April 24 at the Auto China 2026, GAC Group unveiled an upgraded global strategy, outlining an ambitious roadmap to expand its international footprint. The company said it aims to operate in 120 countries and regions by 2030, supported by more than 2,000 overseas outlets and annual global sales of 1 million units, positioning itself among China's leading automotive exporters.Image source: GAC GroupThe announcement comes as the global auto industry undergoes rapid technological convergence and an accelerated transition toward new energy vehicles. China has retained its position as the world's largest auto exporter for three consecutive years, with exports reaching 2.226 million units in the first quarter alone, up 56.7% year-on-year.Against this backdrop, GAC framed international expansion as a decisive step in its evolution—from a domestically strong player to a globally competitive automaker. The company emphasized that globalization requires more than exporting vehicles, instead calling for a system-driven approach that embeds operations within local markets.Feng Xingya, chairman and general manager of GAC Group, outlined a three-pronged strategy. The first focuses on localization, building full-value-chain operations overseas that span manufacturing, energy infrastructure, vehicle delivery, and mobility services. The second centers on technology, accelerating the global rollout of proprietary systems such as the Xingyuan plug-in hybrid platform and the Xingling 4.0 architecture. The third emphasizes ecosystem development, guided by the "GLASS" sustainability initiative to co-create green mobility solutions with regional partners.These pillars underpin GAC's long-term target of scaling its international presence and achieving significant overseas volume growth by the end of the decade.Chen Jiacai, chairman of GAC International, said Chinese automakers are increasingly entering the global top tier, creating momentum for further expansion. GAC is targeting overseas sales of between 250,000 and 300,000 units in 2026 as it builds on that trend.GAC said its international brand strategy will prioritize product competitiveness, customer-centric design, and service excellence. Its technology portfolio spans multiple powertrain solutions, including intelligent connected vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, range-extended EVs, and battery electric vehicles, enabling it to tailor offerings to diverse regional needs.The company added that its next-generation global models are being developed to meet top-tier safety benchmarks such as Euro NCAP and C-NCAP five-star ratings, while also complying with stringent emissions regulations including Euro 7. Vehicles will support 44 languages, reflecting GAC's push for localization. Its global lineup will be anchored by three brands: GAC, AION, and HYPTEC.As part of its global rollout, GAC showcased three new models destined for international markets: the GAC Yue 7, AION i60, and AION N60. The Yue 7 is positioned as a versatile SUV for family use, combining off-road capability with everyday comfort. It features an integrated frame structure and a digital chassis, and has been tested to perform reliably in extreme conditions as low as -40°C.The AION i60 is marketed as a long-range family vehicle, equipped with GAC's next-generation ADiMOTION range-extender system. It delivers a maximum combined range of 1,240 km under CLTC standards and is scheduled for global launch by the end of this year.The AION N60, positioned as a smart mobility flagship, features GAC's Quark Electric Drive 2.0, with peak motor efficiency reaching 99%. Paired with an L2-level driver assistance system, it achieves energy consumption as low as 11.7 kWh per 100 km.GAC said the debut of these models marks the beginning of a new phase in its global strategy, covering a full spectrum of vehicle categories, powertrains, and usage scenarios.GAC's overseas business has expanded rapidly in recent years. In the first quarter of 2026, overseas sales surged 86% year-on-year, pushing its cumulative global user base beyond 400,000.The company now operates in 102 countries and regions across five continents, supported by more than 680 sales and service outlets, five overseas manufacturing bases, and nine parts distribution centers. This network reflects GAC's shift from export-led growth to localized operations, with capabilities spanning R&D, production, supply chain management, and sales on a global scale.
