GAC Motor PH launches new Empow, GS8 and bares 2023 plans

MANILA: Now handled by Astara Philippines, GAC Motor Philippines has begun reintroducing itself to the market with plans to expand its dealer network to 20 by year-end and by adding new models — the 2023 GAC Empow and 2023 GAC GS8, which were recently launched — to its portfolio.

GAC Motor first hit the local market in November 2018. As previously reported in late 2022, Astara added GAC Motor Philippines to the car brands under its distributorship alongside Peugeot Philippines. According to a release,  Astara— which also distributes GAC in Chile and Peru — has sold 3 million cars “as a strategic partner of the world’s leading automotive groups.”

With regards to the expansion of its dealership network, GAC Motor Philippines Brand Head Jun Cajayon announced during the launch event for the two vehicles that the company plans to open showrooms in BGC, Taguig, Makati, Cainta, Rizal, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Manila Bay, E. Rodriguez Sr., Batangas, Lipa City, and Cagayan de Oro.

These will operate along the existing brand dealerships in Alabang, Bacoor, Davao, Pampanga, Pasig and Tarlac. 

“Our first year in the Philippines was remarkable with Peugeot as our first brand. Now, with GAC Motor added to our portfolio, we are excited to bring more value to our Filipino customers,” Astara Managing Director for Southern Europe and the Philippines Jorge Belzunce announced.

“With Astara’s global strength and track record in car distribution and mobility services, we hope to achieve great success for GAC Motor as we have done in Latin America,” he added.

2023 GAC Empow

The 2023 GAC Empow is the carmaker’s compact sedan contender featuring sleek styling and promises potent performance. The 2023 GAC Empow will be offered in three variants at the following special introductory price points and colors.

• 2023 GAC Empow 1.5L GE DCT in Matte Fighter Green (exclusive color) - P1.283-million.
• 2023 GAC Empow 1.5L GB DCT in Ivory White, Moonlight Grey, and Elegant Black - P1.215-million.
• 2023 GAC Empow 1.5L GS DCT Ivory White and Moonlight Grey - P1.135-million.

The introductory prices incorporate a discount of P90,000 for the GAC Empow GS and GB variants, and P65,000 for the GE. These special prices will be valid until March 31, 2023.

The 2023 GAC Empow styling is highlighted by angular body shapes, 18-inch alloy wheels, quad exhausts and automatic LED headlights, and daytime running lights. As for key features, the Empow is equipped with a seven-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay, and multiple driving systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and High Beam Assist.

Under the hood of the 2023 GAC Empow is the carmaker’s 1.5-liter turbo engine — with churns 168hp and 270Nm of torque — featuring the carmaker’s in-house MegaWave technology. The engine is mated to a seven-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission. Most notably, the sedan can sprint from zero to 100kph in 6.95 seconds — believed to be the fastest acceleration for a compact sedan in its segment.

2023 GAC GS8

Serving as the brand’s flagship model, the 2023 GAC GS8 upscale SUV serves a classy exterior and well-appointed interior. The 2023 GAC GS8 is offered at a special introductory price and colors.

• 2023 GAC GS8 in Ink Seal Green, Crystal White, Moonlight Grey, and Elegant Black – P2.298-million.

The introductory price provides a special discount of P100,000 valid until March 31, 2023 only.

Outside, the 2023 GAC GS8 sports LED headlights, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, double chrome exhaust pipes, and LED daytime running lights. The luxury appointments inside include leather seats with diamond stitching, power adjust controls and memory settings for the driver and front passenger, ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof.

In terms of features, the 2023 GAC GS8 is equipped with an 14.6-inch HD touch screen with phone mirroring capabilities and a wireless mobile phone charging pad, and advanced safety gadgets. A turbo two-liter engine — which provides a power of 248hp and an upgraded torque of 400Nm, paired with an eight -speed automatic transmission — powers the SUV.

The 2023 GAC GS8 and the GS and GB variants of the Empow are now in the country and will be available at GAC dealerships within the next few days, while the first batch of units of the 2023 GAC Empow GE is scheduled to arrive in February, the carmaker said.

Photos from GAC Motor, GAC Motor Philippines

Also read: Astara PH welcomes Jun Cajayon as new brand head for GAC Motor