China’s GAC brand hit the South African market during the latter half of 2024 with two interesting crossover products called the GS3 Emzoom compact and the larger Emkoo.
Both products are pitched as sportier alternatives, complete with edgy styling and lively exhaust notes, but pricing was pitched higher than the Chinese norm, which some felt eroded the new brand’s competitive edge.
However, GAC is now upping its value game with price reductions across the board on both products.
The local importer announced on Thursday that the Emzoom range will now kick off at R419,900, lowering the starting price by R50,000, while the Emkoo is now priced from R519,000, a saving of R80,000, while the flagship version is now R100,000 cheaper.
GAC says the price reductions come as a result of “scaled global cost reduction initiatives” as well as a more favourable forex situation towards the end of 2024.
The company says this adjustment is not simply a promotional tactic or temporary sales support measure, but rather a genuine response to the prevailing market conditions.
It appears those who bought GAC products at the old prices will also be accommodated, however the importer did not elaborate on exactly how this might happen.
“GAC Motor South Africa is sensitive to their valued customers who have purchased a GAC Motor Model in 2024 and in the interests of a fair and equitable relationship, GAC invites these customers to contact the distributor through our website or contact numbers to discuss any potential concerns regarding the price reduction and how they will be accommodated,” GAC Motor said in a statement.
As a reminder, the GAC GS3 Emzoom and Emkoo models are both powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 130kW and 270Nm. In all cases it pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.
Standard features in the Emzoom include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, reverse camera with backup sensors, multifunction steering wheel and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Executive trim adds leather seats, a 7.0-inch LCD driver information cluster, rear ventilation, side airbags and a suite of advanced driver assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning.
The R Style, over and above all that, comes with a sport exterior package, sunroof, electrically-operated tailgate, ambient interior lighting, wireless phone charger, surround view camera and High-Beam Assist.
The GAC Emkoo ships with a 10.1-inch touchscreen as standard, and its specification sheet also includes a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, Surround View Camera, glass roof, keyless start, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
The Executive Plus adds electric tailgate functionality, Head Up Display, wireless phone charging, interior ambient lighting system and heated and ventilated front seats, with seat memory position for the driver.
The GAC range is also sold with an engine Lifetime Warranty that applies to the first owner of the vehicle, albeit with certain exclusions and conditions.
GAC Motor intends to expand its network of dealers and service centres to 40 in the coming year, while further new model introductions are also planned.
IOL