GAC International Philippines Inc has officially signaled a new chapter for the brand locally, bringing its nationwide network together for the 2026 Dealer Conference. Held under the banner “Building Success Together as ONE GAC,” the event marked a pivotal shift: GAC is now operating as a wholly owned local subsidiary, managed directly by its global headquarters.
For Filipino car buyers, this structural change is more than just corporate housekeeping. Direct management is already translating into faster parts availability via a new dedicated local warehouse and a more unified customer experience across all touchpoints.
The ‘ONE GAC’ philosophy
The conference aligned dealer principals from across the country with the ONE GAC framework—a strategy built on “One Brand, One Channel, and One Service.” This ensures that from Ilocos to Davao, the standards of maintenance and sales remain consistent as the brand scales its presence.
“The change to self-operation shows our strong confidence in the local market. It also means we will invest more resources, strengthen the local team, and fully support all partners for win-win growth,” said GAC International senior vice president Steven Wang.
The electrified Toyota connection
Beyond the structural updates, GAC offered a glimpse into a highly diversified 2026 portfolio. The star of the upcoming roster is the GS8 HEV, which brings a unique technical pedigree to the Philippine midsize SUV segment.
The GS8 HEV utilizes the Mega Wave THS (Toyota Hybrid System). By pairing GAC’s own 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with Toyota’s proven 4th-generation hybrid technology and an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), the GS8 HEV achieves a balance of power and efficiency previously unseen in this bracket.
Performance spotlight: GS8 HEV
The new hybrid flagship isn’t just about fuel savings; it’s a performance upgrade. Key technical highlights for the Philippine-spec model include:
o Rapid acceleration: Despite its size, the GS8 HEV can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.9 seconds;
o Dual-Motor AWD: The system features a high-output front motor (182 hp) and a dedicated rear motor (54 hp), providing intelligent all-wheel-drive capabilities;
o Refined luxury: The previewed “Limited Edition” model features an inviting interior with second-row captain’s chairs, and a massive 14.6-inch central infotainment screen.
Availability and pricing
GAC Philippines has officially begun accepting orders for the GS8 HEV this March 2026. While final “on-the-road” pricing is being finalized, the model is expected to be positioned as a premium alternative in the hybrid SUV space, with estimates placing it in the ₱2.8-million to ₱3.1-million range.
Interested buyers are invited to visit their nearest GAC dealership or register their interest at https://www.gacgroup.com/en-ph.
Banner image shows GAC International Philippines and its dealer partners nationwide showing full support at the 2026 GAC dealer conference held in Makati City Feb. 27