The first products from GAC promise to bring to Vietnam will belong to the large segment. This approach is different from other Chinese brands, as they do not target the B or C segments that are currently popular. The two names revealed by distributor TC Services are GAC GS8 and GAC M8.
GAC GS8
The GAC GS8 is in the E-class SUV segment, competing with names like the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, or Volkswagen Teramont/Teramont X. The second-generation model was introduced to the Chinese market in 2021.
The GAC GS8 has a length, width, and height of 4,980mm, 1,950mm, and 1,780mm respectively (Image: GAC).
The GAC product features a square, angular design. The front of the car is impressive with a large grille and vertically arranged LED headlights, and 20-inch wheels.
The interior of the GS8 is relatively modern with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen. The car has a 7-seater configuration with an option of business-class seats (2nd row) in China.
Highlights of the GS8 equipment include a heads-up display with augmented reality technology and active safety system (Image: GAC).
Experts believe that the GAC GS8 when it comes to Vietnam is likely to be equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine producing a maximum power of 248 horsepower and a peak torque of 400Nm. It will have an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
The selling price of the GAC GS8 for the Vietnamese market has not been revealed, but it is likely to reach 1 billion VND, according to experts' estimates. The Hyundai Palisade is currently the model with the lowest suggested retail price in the E-class SUV segment, starting at 1.469 billion VND.
GAC M8
Positioned in the minivan segment, the GAC M8 will directly compete with the Kia Carnival and Volkswagen Viloran when it arrives in Vietnam. The car has a quite eye-catching design, reminiscent of the "ground aircraft" Toyota Alphard.
The GAC M8 is 5,212mm long, 1,893mm wide, and 1,823mm high. Compared to the Carnival, the Chinese model is slightly higher but has a 20mm shorter wheelbase, reaching 3,070mm (Image: GAC).
The car's equipment has not been revealed. Referring to the international market, the GAC M8 features full LED lights, power sliding doors on both sides, and 17-inch or 18-inch wheels depending on the version.
The interior has a 3-row, 7-seat configuration, with the second row being electronically adjustable business-class seats with massage function, dual panoramic sunroof with a starry sky effect. The overall cabin layout is similar to the GS8 model, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 14.6-inch center screen.
The GAC M8 features an active safety system similar to the GS8 (Image: GAC).
In China, the GAC M8 has 3 engine options: petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Experts believe that the M8 when it comes to Vietnam is likely to only offer a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine producing 251 horsepower and 380Nm.
Similar to the GS8, the selling price of the M8 could reach 1 billion VND in Vietnam. In the minivan segment, the Kia Carnival has a starting price of 1.189 billion VND and a highest price of 1.759 billion VND; while the Volkswagen Viloran has 2 versions with a listed price of 1.989-2.188 billion VND.
Experts believe that the GAC GS8 and M8 will face significant challenges in Vietnam. In addition to the new brand factor, the selling price is likely to be a barrier for these two models; not to mention, the SUV E-class and minivan segments are relatively niche.
However, choosing less competitive segments may help GAC avoid competition, targeting a group of customers with specific needs. Along with entering the market, the brand also needs time to build a dealer network, and pre- and after-sales services.
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