GAC Philippines announced that it has been recognized as the 2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive in Kantar’s 2026 BrandZ Spotlight research. The car brand is proud of the accolade, as Kantar is known as one of the leading market research agencies that specializes in analyzing consumer behavior.
GAC PH said that it joins a roster of recognized industry leaders honored across key consumer categories, including Banking, Health Supplements, Communication Providers, General Retailers, and Beers. Of note, GAC and Toyota Motor Philippines were the automotive brands that were recognized at the event, with GAC receiving the 2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive award.
The Kantar BrandZ report is published annually, and it is regarded as one of the world’s leading brand equity research systems. GAC PH shared that Kantar’s data serve as the gold standard for brand valuation by combining verified financial data with massive consumer research. Rankings are determined using Kantar’s Meaningful, Different, and Salient (MDS) framework to measure how well a brand meets consumer needs, stands out from competitors, and drives market impact.
Kantar PH’s data shows that in the first half of 2026, electrified vehicles (xEVs) accounted for 15.3 percent of new vehicle sales in the local automotive market. The data is verified through the numbers published by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and the Truck Manufacturers Association (CAMPI-TMA).
Of note, Kantar PH’s April 2026 consumer survey reveals that 74 percent of respondents would consider purchasing an electric vehicle (EV). With that, GAC PH said that it is ready for the electrified shift in the local automotive industry, as it currently has a comprehensive product lineup.
GAC PH General Manager Calvin Cheng shared that its recent recognition from Kantar is a testament to the brand’s rapid strides in the market.
“Being named the 2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive reflects our rapid strides in the market and our commitment to empowering Filipinos with cutting-edge mobility technology through our new energy lineup,” Cheng said.
In early 2026, GAC PH completed a strategic reorganization as a wholly-owned local subsidiary under GAC International. Guided by the “One GAC” strategy, unifying GAC Motor, Aion, and Hyptec under a single brand, the car brand said that centralized operations now deliver streamlined sales, optimized aftersales support, and tighter nationwide dealer coordination.
Autocar’s Take
GAC Motor Philippines is proud to have been recognized as the 2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive in Kantar’s 2026 BrandZ Spotlight research. This recognition is a testament to GAC’s continued initiative to further expand its presence in the local market. It also shows that the car brand is determined to make its local operations more seamless, benefiting its existing and future clients. The said accolade will surely give GAC PH a morale boost, as it continues its efforts to establish its foothold in the Philippine market. Among its plans is to strengthen its nationwide presence with six upcoming new dealerships that will be located across Luzon and Mindanao.
