GAC Philippines recently gathered its nationwide dealer network for the 2026 GAC Philippines Dealer Conference. The agenda was to mark a major transition for the Chinese carmaker’s Philippine business arm as it begins operating under direct management from its global headquarters.
Held on February 27 in Manila, the corporate and dealer conference carried the theme “Building Success Together as One GAC,” highlighting the company’s shift toward a self-operated business structure following the establishments of GAC International Philippines, Inc., the brand’s wholly owned local subsidiary. The move positions GAC to streamline operations, improve parts availability, and strengthen after-sales support across the country.
The event served as a strategic alignment platform for GAC dealers in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reinforcing the company’s “One GAC” philosophy centered on one brand, one channel, and one service. To solidify the new chapter, a dealer agreement signing ceremony highlighted the event, underscoring unified standards in sales, service, and customer experience nationwide.
According to GAC International Senior Vice President Steven Wang, direct operations signal stronger long-term confidence in the Philippine market, with increased investments and expanded local support expected to follow.
Alongside business discussions, GC Philippines provided dealers with an exclusive preview of its upcoming vehicle lineup to further establish its footprint in the local market. The lineup includes a diversified mobility strategy, covering internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric models. Headlining these upcoming models is the GAC GS8 HEV, a hybrid electric vehicle positioned to compete in the premium SUV segment.
The 7-seat model showcases a refined design and features GAC’s Mega Wave THS hybrid system built around a 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain. GAC Philippines plans to start accepting orders for the GS8 HEV starting March 2026, with pricing and full specifications to be announced closer to launch. Additional models previewed during the conference were the Aion UT, Hyptec HT, Aion V, Aion Y Plus, GAC E8, and GAC GN8 PHEV.
Finally, GAC Philippines has also established a local spare parts warehouse in Manila. The facility boasts a stockpile of more than 3,000 components, which the company says can improve repair and service efficiency by over 50%. Vehicles will also follow global GSSW (GAC International Sales & Service Way) standards supported by extended warranties and roadside assistance programs.
Autocar’s Take
Following the early 2026 closure of Astara Philippines, GAC’s former official local distributor, the brand’s transition to direct operations represents a significant step toward overall maturity in the local market. Greater control over after-sales, parts supply, and dealer coordination addresses concerns that often influence buyer confidence in emerging automotive brands. This direction is also the path taken by Geely Philippines, with its operations transitioning to direct global management in early 2025, following a series of business challenges to its local operations in the previous years.
The emphasis on hybrid and electric models also aligns with shifting mobility trends while still recognizing the realities of Philippine infrastructure. More importantly, dealer alignment under a unified strategy solidifies a long-term comment for the brand’s local business journey, increasing GAC’s competitiveness in an industry surrounded with tough competition from fellow Chinese brands and long-established car makers.
