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GAC Group Invests in R&D to Launch 5 New Energy Vehicles, Partners with Huawei to Unveil Qijing GT7

Auto06 May 2026 19:31 GMT+7

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GAC Group Invests in R&D to Launch 5 New Energy Vehicles, Partners with Huawei to Unveil Qijing GT7

GAC Group increased its research and development budget by 42%, unveiling five new energy vehicles that cater to every lifestyle. A key highlight is its partnership with Huawei to launch the new Qijing brand, alongside reporting a continued rise in first-quarter global sales for three consecutive quarters, reaching 380,000 units.

GAC Group, or Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese automotive manufacturer and state-owned enterprise based in Guangzhou, announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026. Operating revenue reached 20.2 billion yuan, approximately 96.6 billion baht, up 1.76% compared to the same period last year. Total sales hit 380,000 units, with overseas sales growing over 86%, reflecting efficient management and precise operational strategies of the group.


GAC Group’s vehicle sales momentum remains strong, achieving growth for three consecutive quarters. In the first quarter of 2026, total sales reached 380,000 units, a 2.38% increase, marking a robust start to the year.

This success is driven notably by significant growth in sales of brands under GAC Group’s management, which totaled 166,200 units—up 42% compared to the same period last year.

Leading the way are GAC AION and GAC HYPTEC, which sold 74,100 units, growing 57.34%. Meanwhile, GAC Trumpchi achieved 92,100 units sold, a 33.06% increase. These figures demonstrate strong consumer confidence in GAC’s products and validate the effectiveness of its market-focused product strategies.


GAC Group’s international market efforts

The overseas market is a key driver of GAC Group’s growth. In the first quarter of this year, the group sold 42,200 units abroad across its brands, an 86% surge compared to last year.

GAC Group has systematically expanded its global business network across Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As of the end of March 2026, it operates in 102 countries and regions, with 650 service centers, five overseas assembly plants, and nine parts distribution centers.

The group reiterated its vision at the Beijing Auto Show, setting an ambitious overseas sales target of 250,000 units for 2026 and aiming to reach one million units sold across 120 countries with over 2,000 showrooms worldwide by 2030.


New notable vehicles from GAC Group

At the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, GAC Group elevated the brand images of GAC Trumpchi, GAC AION, and GAC HYPTEC, unveiling five new energy vehicles that cater to diverse lifestyles—from urban SUVs and off-road models to high-end family vehicles—including:

1. GAC AION N60 A smart and stylish urban SUV offering a maximum driving range of up to 610 kilometers (CLTC standard).


2. GAC HYPTEC S600 A new luxury smart sports SUV available with both pure electric (EV) and extended-range powertrains, enhancing the brand’s premium lineup.

3. GAC Trumpchi Yue 7 A boxy-style SUV designed for adventure lovers, featuring an in-built frame and digital chassis system, delivering excellent off-road performance and adaptability to all road conditions.


4. GAC Trumpchi E8 PHEV A plug-in hybrid MPV that set two world records with an ultra-low fuel consumption of just 3.98 liters per 100 km and a maximum driving range of 1,537 kilometers.

5. Qijing GT7 The latest high-end electric vehicle brand co-created with Huawei, debuting the GT7 model equipped with Level 3 intelligent driving technology (Huawei ADS 5), with an official launch planned for June.

Beyond showcasing outstanding products, GAC Group continues vigorous investment in research and development, increasing its R&D spending by 42.06% in the first quarter, aligning with sales growth. At the GAC Tech Day in April, the company introduced four key innovations aimed at setting new standards and strengthening its technological leadership.