GAC eyes high-end auto market with new SUV

The new generation of the GS8, a seven-seat elite SUV made by GAC Motor, rolled off the volume production line at the company’s plant in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, on Tuesday.

"Launching the new GS8 will help us strengthen the position of domestically-made vehicles in the high-end automobile market," said Zhang Yuesai, president of GAC Motor, a division of the Guangzhou-based GAC Group.

The new vehicles are of high quality, thanks to the integration of core parts from leading global suppliers including Toyota, Aisin, Borgwarner and Michelin, according to Zhang.

Presales for the new GS8, which began on Oct 1, have surpassed 5,000 vehicles, according to a company source.

The new domestically-made GS8, available in fuel-powered and hybrid models, sells for between 188,800 yuan ($29,300) to 246,800 yuan.