GAC Motor Philippines has held its first event under its new distributor, Astara Philippines. Launching the GAC Empow compact sedan and all-new GS8 7-seater SUV, the brand now has a total of five nameplates in its portfolio that includes the compact GS3 SUV, the GS4 SUV, and the versatile GN6 MPV.
The event was spearheaded by Jorge Belzunce, Astara managing director for Southern Europe and the Philippines; Raoul Picello, Astara Philippines managing director; and Jun Cajayon, GAC MOTOR Philippines brand head.
(L to R) Jorge Belzunce, Managing Director, Astara Southern Europe and the Philippines; Jun Cajayon, Brand Head, GAC Motor Philippines; Raoul Picello, Managing Director, Astara Philippines | Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
“We’re thrilled to start the year on a high note with the highly-anticipated launch of the EMPOW and all-new GS8. Both vehicles represent the best that GAC has to offer at a reasonable price range for our Filipino customers. We are determined to reinvigorate the brand and achieve outstanding performance in the market beginning this year,” said Picello.
Astara is one of the biggest automotive distributors in the world and has carried out a successful path as a leading group in distribution and mobility services. The company has sold over three million cars as a strategic partner of the world’s leading automotive groups including GAC MOTOR, which Astara presently distributes in Chile and Peru.
“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. 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,” said Belzunce.
GAC Motor Philippines currently has six dealerships located in Alabang, Bacoor, Davao, Pampanga, Pasig, and Tarlac. New showrooms are on track to be fully operational in BGC, Makati, Cainta, Quezon Avenue, Manila Bay, E. Rodriguez Sr., Batangas, Lipa City, and Cagayan de Oro by mid-year, bringing the brand closer to its target of 20 dealer appointments by year-end.
Introducing the EMPOW: A Unique and Sporty Sedan Set to Conquer
“The EMPOW is most ideal for customers who want a sports sedan that looks as great as it drives. It provides the performance advantage without compromise at a price point that is well within reach. The EMPOW is, without a doubt, a vehicle that makes a strong statement on the road,” said Jun Cajayon, brand head of GAC Motor Philippines.
The Empow’s exterior is characterized by futuristic lines and a sleek, muscle car-esque silhouette that gives it its aggressive stance. The sculpted form and attention-grabbing design elements define its sporty profile, while its interiors, driving performance, and technology are engineered to thrill the senses.
The Empow features an oversized front grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, and quad exhausts (for the top variant) at the rear giving the car a distinctly muscular appearance. It also comes with automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and extended rear lights to add to its overall visual appeal on the road.
The interior of the Empow has vibrant supercar-style colored leather panels, fighter-jet-inspired seats, and carbon fiber materials. Two screens – a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay connectivity – complete the futuristic and sleek look. The interior also features a power sunroof, a leather multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with a built-in negative ion air purifier, multiple USB type-A ports, power adjustments to the driver’s seat, and leather upholstery with soft-touch interior trims among others.
Standard to the Empow is six airbags along with a tire pressure monitoring system. A suite of advanced driver assistance 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 all help to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
Under the hood, the Empow has a 1.5L turbo power engine that utilizes GAC Motor’s in-house developed MegaWave technology. It is said to be capable of doing 0 to 100 km/hr in 6.95 seconds – believed to be the fastest acceleration for a compact sedan in its segment. The mill is mated to a 7-speed Wet-type Dual Clutch transmission that produces 168HP and 270Nm of torque.
The Empow will be available in three variants at the following special introductory price points and colors:
- 1.5L GE DCT for Php 1,283,000 in Matte Fighter Green (exclusive color)
- 1.5L GB DCT for Php 1,215,000 in Ivory White, Moonlight Grey, and Elegant Black
- 1.5L GS DCT for Php 1,135,000 in Ivory White and Moonlight Grey
*The introductory prices incorporate a discount of Php 90,000 for the GS and GB variants, and Php 65,000 for the GE. The special prices will be valid until March 31, 2023.
The All-New GS8: Bringing power and prestige to Filipino travelers
The GS8 is a full-size seven-seater SUV and one of GAC MOTOR’s most successful nameplates. The brand’s upgraded flagship SUV combines form and function with its bold and futuristic design style, surging power, and pioneering smart configurations.
“The all-new GS8 builds on its success as GAC MOTOR’s flagship SUV with its complete package of style, quality, reliability, and safety. It has been masterfully designed to exude confidence on the road, making it the perfect match for customers seeking distinction and refinement in their SUV,” said Cajayon.
The GS8’s robust silhouette gives it a stately and executive persona. The model’s signature four-bulb metric automatic LED headlights come perfectly together with a powerful V-shaped chrome grille arranged in a symmetrical layout for an aggressive and bold stance. Twenty-inch aluminum alloy wheels, double chrome exhaust pipes, and LED daytime running lights complete its stellar look.
The interior is designed to give comfort and convenience to the driver and passengers. Seats upholstered in finely crafted leather with diamond stitching are equipped with power adjust controls and memory settings for the driver and front passenger. The leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, electrochromic rearview mirror, three-zone automatic air conditioning, and one-touch power windows offer added convenience, while multi-color intelligent ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof give a touch of luxury.
In addition, the upgraded cabin of the GS8 has a host of smart and interactive features, including a 14.6-inch HD touch screen with phone mirroring capabilities, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, four USB type-A ports, a wireless mobile phone charging pad, and a Bluetooth handsfree phone system.
Safety and security are not compromised as the all-new GS8 comes with multiple airbags, ISOFIX child safety seat anchors, seatbelts with disengage alarm, an engine immobilizer with anti-theft alarm, tire pressure monitoring, and many more.
The vehicle is equipped with GAC MOTOR’s latest cutting-edge technology, including a wide array of driving assistance capabilities as standard. Among these are Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Front & Rear Parking Sensors with HD Surround Vision Parking System, and Traffic Jam Assist. Driving is made more efficient and dynamic with three drive modes to choose from (ECO, Comfort, and Sport).
The GS8 has a 2.0 Turbo GDI engine, which produces 248HP and 400Nm of torque. The powerplant is paired with a megastar chassis and a third-generation 8-speed automatic transmission.
The all-new GS8 is available at a special introductory price of Php 2,298,000 and is available in Ink Seal Green; Crystal White; Moonlight Grey; and Elegant Black.
*The introductory price provides a special discount of Php 100,000 valid until March 31, 2023.
Availability and 5-Year Warranty
The all-new GS8 and the GS and GB variants of the Empow are now available at dealerships, while the first batch of the Empow GE is scheduled to arrive in February.
The full line-up of GAC Motor vehicles comes with a 5-Year Warranty on parts and services. Visit www.gacmotorph.com for updates and details.