Imagine a bold new player crashing into Australia's car market, aiming to climb the leaderboard faster than you can say 'electric revolution' – that's GAC, ready to shake things up! But here's where it gets intriguing: Can a fresh Chinese brand really muscle its way into the top 10 sellers in just three years? Let's dive into the details and see if this ambitious plan has the horsepower to succeed.
GAC, the latest Chinese automaker to set its sights on the Australian scene, is gearing up for an official debut later this month. Despite the timing being quite late in the year, the company is starting modestly, with a goal of shifting just 1,000 vehicles in 2025. By 2028, however, they're dreaming big, targeting 33,000 units annually and a coveted spot among the nation's top 10 best-selling brands.
In an exclusive chat with Drive, GAC's Deputy Managing Director, Cheney Liang, laid out their roadmap to dominance. 'We plan to move 1,000 units to start this year, but our ultimate goal is to hit the top 10 and reach 33,000 sales yearly by 2028,' he shared. This strategy reflects a cautious yet confident approach, building momentum step by step.
GAC's initial lineup for the Australian market will feature three standout models to kick things off: a compact petrol-powered SUV dubbed the Emzoom, a mid-sized electric SUV known as the Aion V, and a plug-in hybrid people mover called the M8 PHEV. For beginners wondering about plug-in hybrids, think of them as versatile vehicles that can run on electricity for short trips to save fuel and reduce emissions, then switch to petrol for longer journeys – a smart bridge between pure EVs and traditional cars.
But they're not stopping there. Over the next couple of years, GAC plans to broaden their offerings with up to five additional models. 'We won't get there with just our initial three lines,' Liang noted. 'That's precisely why we'll be rolling out more options soon.' While specifics on those new additions weren't revealed, GAC's experience in right-hand drive markets like Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, and soon the UK, provides a solid foundation.
One promising candidate already tailored for right-hand drive in those regions is the Emkoo, a medium SUV available in petrol or hybrid variants. This model could compete directly with popular options such as the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan X-Trail, offering families a reliable choice in the competitive mid-size SUV segment with potentially more affordable pricing or innovative features from GAC's Chinese roots.
Similarly, the Aion UT, a compact electric hatchback approved for right-hand drive production for the UK market, is another potential import. In Australia, it would join the ranks of small EVs like the BYD Dolphin, MG 4, and GWM Ora, catering to urban drivers seeking eco-friendly, budget-conscious mobility without sacrificing space or style.
And this is the part most people miss – or perhaps debate fiercely: Will GAC's projected 33,000 annual sales truly be sufficient to clinch a top-10 position by 2028? Let's break it down with some real numbers to make it crystal clear.
Looking back at 2024's full-year sales data, the tenth-ranked brand, GWM, managed 42,782 units, while ninth-place Nissan clocked in at 45,284, and eighth-placed Isuzu ended with 48,172. Fast-forward to the end of October 2025, and the landscape has evolved, but the competition is still steep: Isuzu, now at number 10, has already sold 35,114 vehicles with two months remaining, MG at ninth holds 36,176, and BYD in eighth boasts 41,882.
Unless there's a dramatic uptick in overall market sales, GAC might need to ramp up their ambitions from 33,000 to around 45,000 or higher to edge into the top tier. Based on current year-to-date figures, Australia's leading brands include Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Kia, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, MG, Isuzu, Nissan, and GWM. Interestingly, Isuzu operates with a more limited lineup than GAC's planned initial three models, yet still commands a strong presence – a reminder that quality, reliability, and market fit can sometimes outweigh sheer variety.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is GAC's rapid expansion a game-changer for Australian consumers, or could it flood the market with unfamiliar brands that challenge local loyalties? Some might argue that more competition drives down prices and innovation, boosting choices for eco-conscious buyers. Others worry about job impacts on domestic manufacturers or whether Chinese brands can match the longevity and support of established players. What do you think – will GAC's bold targets pay off, or is this just another overhyped entry? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss: Do you see room for GAC in your garage, or are you sticking with the tried-and-true?
Kez Casey, who swapped roles from managing spare parts counters to penning automotive insights over a decade ago, brings a unique perspective shaped by a childhood immersed in auto workshops and panel shops. With stints at The Motor Report, Drive, and CarAdvice, Kez delivers reviews and road tests that resonate with everyday drivers.
