Chinese automaker GAC to build sales network in US

Chinese automaker GAC Motor will kick off its efforts to build a sales network in the United States when it attends for the first time the country's dealer association show, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from March 23 to 25.

The move comes two months after GAC Motor's plans to enter the US market in 2019 were announced by the company at the North American International Auto Show held in Detroit in January.

As a premier marketplace of auto products, services and technologies, the National Automobile Dealers Association Show provides a platform for automakers to connect with dealers, said the Guangzhou-headquartered carmaker.

"Coming to the NADA Show is a perfect start for GAC Motor to build partnerships and develop our dealership network in the North American market," said Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor.

The carmaker said it will hold a gathering for dealers on March 23. "We've been negotiating with a lot of local dealers, and we welcome more to join us in Las Vegas," Yu said.

"We hope to enhance GAC Motor's reputation, lay a solid foundation for a future sales network and further demonstrate our determination to enter the US market at the NADA Show."

The carmaker is showcasing four popular models at the show including the Trumpchi GS8, which will be the first model to hit the US market. A GAC representative said the brand Trumpchi will be renamed for the global market, with the final one to be released later this year.

As one of China's fastest-growing carmakers, GAC Motor has established a world-class manufacturing system, as well as a global research and development network and supply chain.

The company sold 508,600 vehicles in 2017, a growth rate of 37 percent year-on-year. In the first two months of 2018, GAC Motor sold 95,136 cars, a 20.3 percent rise from the same period last year.

"By participating in NADA, we hope to speed up the building of our global dealership network. GAC Motor has always insisted on building high-end, world-class products with a craftsman's spirit," Yu said.