GAC MOTOR Hits South Africa Bringing More Than Just Cars...

August – a time when we’re meant to be basking in the last days of winter, maybe getting ready for a little spring cleaning. But no, this year, GAC MOTOR decided that was boring. Instead, they waltzed into South Africa, as if to say, “Surprise! We’ve arrived, and we brought ALL the cars!”

Now, let’s be real. South Africa isn’t exactly hurting for cars. We’ve got them. In fact, we’ve got plenty – from cars that could practically climb Everest to ones that make you question if you're even moving at all. But hey, GAC is here, and they’re serious. Partnering up with Salvador Caetano (who, might I add, has been around since 1946 – so basically, these guys have been selling cars since dinosaurs roamed the earth), GAC MOTOR’s arrival has been greeted with fanfare, excitement, and, well, lots of press releases.

So, what’s the deal? GAC MOTOR, with its goal to be a world-class carmaker, promises quality and customer satisfaction, which is exactly what every carmaker says. But wait, here’s where it gets spicy – they’ve got some serious backing from Salvador Caetano, a group with 78 years of “innovation and excellence.” Let’s be honest: that sounds like the kind of line you use to justify charging R5,000 for floor mats, but hey, we’ll bite.

GAC MOTOR’s first gift to our roads is the GS3 EMZOOM (catchy name, right?). I mean, who wouldn’t want a car that sounds like it's in a constant state of running late? It’s zippy, it’s fresh, and it’s here to compete in the local SUV scene. But hold on to your seatbelt (I know, you don’t need to be told, right?) – they didn’t stop there. They’ve now rolled out the EMKOO. Yep, EMKOO. Not to be confused with your pet cat’s vet prescription. But jokes aside, it’s looking sleek and sharp, and if you squint just right, it could be your next driveway conversation piece.

Of course, no self-respecting car brand would enter South Africa without an ambitious plan for world domination (or at least, nationwide dealership saturation). GAC’s goal? 20 dealerships, then 30, and then, just because they can, 40 dealerships in the next three years. That’s right – by the time you figure out what “EMZOOM” really means, GAC will have a dealership on every corner, just waiting to sell you a shiny new ride.

But GAC MOTOR isn’t just about throwing cars at us like confetti. Oh no, they’ve got the full package: a five-year warranty, a five-year service plan, and a six-month supply of parts that will apparently appear faster than a pizza delivery. Plus, there’s 24-hour roadside assistance, because nothing says “we’ve got your back” like the promise of a tow truck at 2 a.m. on a deserted Karoo road.

In a bold move, GAC has also brought in their “National Mobile Technician,” because waiting at the dealership is so 2019. Now, they'll come to you, fixing things while you sip on your flat white at the local café. And let’s not forget their commitment to “craftsmanship, durability, and quality,” which – if you listen closely – sounds like the holy trinity of car marketing.

So, what do we make of GAC MOTOR’s arrival? It’s big. It’s ambitious. It’s definitely got more letters in its name than we can pronounce, but hey, we’re here for it. After all, what’s one more car brand in a country where we already compare Bakkies like they’re rare Pokémon cards?

Welcome to South Africa, GAC MOTOR. May your EMZOOMs zoom, and your EMKOOs… well, EMKOO?

Specifications at a Glance :

• Model: GS3 EMZOOM & EMKOO (New Kids on the Block)

• Dealerships: Expanding faster than a WhatsApp group chat

• Warranty: 5 Years (because they like you that much)

• Roadside Assistance: 24 hours – as long as you don’t mind calling at 3 a.m.