Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd – Strategic Momentum in 2025

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd (GAC) continues to consolidate its position as a leading Chinese automaker by advancing technology, expanding product lines, and strengthening international partnerships. The latest developments across the group’s portfolio signal a decisive push toward high‑performance electrified vehicles, cutting‑edge battery technology, and global manufacturing capability.

1. Launch of the Qijing High‑End EV Brand

At the Huawei Qiankun ecosystem conference, GAC unveiled Qijing, a premium smart electric‑vehicle brand jointly developed with Huawei Qiankun. The brand’s first model, described as the “most beautiful hunting coupe of the Chinese market,” has already completed extreme high‑temperature testing and design finalisation. GAC plans to introduce two Qijing models in mid‑2026, positioning the brand at the intersection of luxury design, advanced AI‑driven driving assistance, and Huawei’s proprietary 5G connectivity. This launch underscores GAC’s commitment to diversifying its product mix beyond mainstream models and taps into the growing demand for premium EVs in China and abroad.

2. Breakthrough in Solid‑State Battery Technology

GAC’s solid‑state battery pilot line has entered a critical production phase. On 21 November, chairman Feng Xingya announced that the pilot line in Guangzhou now meets the 60 Ah threshold required for automotive‑grade solid‑state cells. This milestone, confirmed by the national media, demonstrates the feasibility of large‑capacity, “liquid‑free” batteries that offer superior energy density and safety compared to conventional lithium‑ion packs. The pilot line’s dry‑process negative‑electrode manufacturing integrates three traditional steps into a single operation, reducing energy consumption and increasing throughput. As solid‑state cells begin to appear on GAC’s future EV platforms, the company is poised to deliver vehicles with extended range—potentially exceeding 1,000 km—thereby addressing a key consumer concern in the high‑range EV segment.

3. Expansion of the AION EV Portfolio

In a move to strengthen its foothold in the European EV market, GAC announced a partnership with Magna for full‑vehicle assembly of the AION V SUV at Magna’s plant in Graz, Austria. The collaboration covers production, supply‑chain optimisation, and local sales. By localising assembly, GAC reduces import duties, shortens delivery times, and gains deeper insights into European consumer preferences. The AION V, already a best‑seller in China’s domestic market, benefits from this expansion with enhanced brand credibility and a pathway to larger European sales volumes.

4. SSR Super‑Sports Model and Premium Positioning

The GAC Haibo SSR has added a “Cloud‑Pattern Gold” high‑trim version at a price of 1.486 million HKD. The edition features exclusive paint, European‑made luxury leather, and handcrafted detailing—elements that reinforce GAC’s brand equity in the high‑performance segment. The SSR’s presence at the Guangzhou Motor Show highlights the group’s strategy to cultivate a high‑end, performance‑oriented image while leveraging the Haibo sub‑brand’s existing reputation for speed and technology.

5. “Panyu Action” Reform and Long‑Term Growth Targets

During the 2025 Guangzhou Motor Show, GAC’s chairman reiterated progress under the Panyu Action reform—an internal initiative aimed at boosting the autonomy of its domestic brand. The goal is to achieve a 60 % share of total sales by 2027 and reach 2 million units annually. While early results show promising gains, GAC remains focused on aligning product development, cost optimisation, and customer experience around the “user‑first” philosophy. The reform’s emphasis on integrated product development (IPD) and rapid iteration is expected to accelerate time‑to‑market for next‑generation models.

6. Outlook and Strategic Priorities

  • Technology Leadership: GAC’s investment in solid‑state batteries and high‑end EV platforms signals a clear intent to dominate the premium electric‑vehicle market while ensuring competitive range and safety.
  • Global Manufacturing: The Magna partnership and the expansion of AION production in Europe illustrate a dual‑pronged approach to internationalisation—local assembly combined with global supply‑chain integration.
  • Brand Portfolio Diversification: The Qijing and SSR launches diversify GAC’s brand architecture, targeting distinct market segments from luxury to high‑performance enthusiasts.
  • Cost & Efficiency: Panyu Action reforms and dry‑process battery manufacturing aim to reduce production costs while maintaining quality—a crucial balance as the EV market matures.

With these initiatives, GAC is not only responding to current market dynamics but also setting the stage for sustained growth. The company’s ability to innovate across platforms, collaborate with global partners, and execute a disciplined reform agenda positions it well to capture new opportunities in both domestic and international auto markets.