GAC Motor plans to broaden its footprint in Russia in 2024 by introducing three fresh models, according to the manufacturer’s press service. The move signals a clear push into the evolving Russian automotive market, where Chinese brands have been steadily expanding their presence in recent years.
The first arrival is the GAC M8 minivan, forecast to reach dealerships in March. Following closely, the GS3 compact crossover is slated to go on sale during the second quarter, expanding GAC’s lineup for urban customers seeking practical and efficient utility with a modern design language. A third, unannounced SUV model is planned to be launched in the third quarter of 2024, with specific details kept confidential for now, heightening anticipation among prospective buyers and industry observers.
Technical specifications position the M8 as a roomy family vehicle. It measures 5193 millimeters in length with a 3070-millimeter wheelbase, and under the hood sits a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering about 252 horsepower. The transmission is a robotic type, which some users may prefer for smooth, automated shifting in urban driving while still offering a manual override option. The GS3, by contrast, relies on a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing approximately 177 horsepower. Both models are front-wheel drive and offer a choice between a five-speed manual gearbox and a robotic transmission, appealing to different driving preferences in the Russian market.
At present, the Russian GAC lineup already includes two crossovers, the GS8 and GS5, which have helped the brand establish a presence among SUV shoppers looking for value and features typical of the brand’s regional strategy. By the end of ten months in 2023, GAC cars sold in Russia totaled about 1.8 thousand units, a figure that marked a 4.6-fold increase over the same period of the prior year, according to the analytics agency Avtostat. This growth underscores growing consumer interest and a willingness to explore new entrants in the mid-market segment. Avtostat’s data reinforces the sense that GAC is gaining traction with buyers who appreciate a balance of price, equipment, and modern styling in a competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, industry watchers will be watching for signs of demand for the Skyhome electric sedan, an advanced model that is expected to begin sales in Russia eventually. The introduction of such an electric option would align with broader regional shifts toward electrification and could influence how GAC positions its entire electric and hybrid lineup in the Russian market. Observers note that early traction with new internal combustion engine models could set the stage for broader acceptance of future electrified offerings from the brand, should the market conditions prove favorable. This overview of upcoming products and current performance suggests a deliberate, multi-model strategy aimed at capturing both practical family transport needs and the growing appetite for compact and crossover vehicles in contemporary Russian consumer culture, even as the company navigates regulatory and economic considerations that affect import and pricing dynamics.