GAC Takes Over Philippine Operations, Will Add 8 New Models This Year
•February 9, 2026
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Why It Matters
Unified control streamlines GAC’s market entry, accelerating EV adoption and improving dealer consistency in the Philippines’ rapidly growing electric‑vehicle segment.
Key Takeaways
- •ONE GAC unifies all Philippine brand operations
- •Three EV models launched: AION V, UT, Hyptec HT
- •Eight additional models slated for 2026 rollout
- •Dealer standards and warranties now standardized across brands
- •Focus on compact, midsize EVs for market readiness
Pulse Analysis
GAC’s decision to centralize its Philippine activities under ONE GAC reflects a broader trend of Chinese automakers seeking tighter control over overseas distribution. By consolidating internal‑combustion, electric and premium sub‑brands, GAC can harmonize pricing, warranty policies and after‑sales service, reducing the friction that historically plagued fragmented dealer networks. This factory‑direct model also positions GAC to respond swiftly to regulatory changes and consumer demand, a crucial advantage as the Philippines ramps up incentives and infrastructure for electric mobility.
The current EV lineup – AION V, AION UT and Hyptec HT – strategically covers three market tiers, from entry‑level commuters to higher‑end SUV buyers. Compared with rivals such as Hyundai, Nissan and local assemblers, GAC’s offerings emphasize competitive pricing and a blend of range and practicality suited to Metro Manila’s traffic and emerging charging networks. Aligning dealer standards ensures technicians are equipped for high‑voltage servicing, addressing a common barrier to EV adoption in Southeast Asia. As charging stations expand, GAC’s diversified portfolio can capture both price‑sensitive and premium segments.
Looking ahead to 2026, GAC’s pipeline of up to eight new models, including the AION Y, AION RT and several Hyptec variants, signals an aggressive push to deepen its EV footprint. The emphasis on compact and midsize electric crossovers aligns with ASEAN‑wide homologation pathways and mitigates infrastructure strain, while higher‑end models will likely follow once fast‑charging and service ecosystems mature. This rollout not only broadens consumer choice but also pressures local dealers to upgrade facilities, creating a ripple effect that could accelerate the Philippines’ transition to electric transportation.
GAC Takes Over Philippine Operations, Will Add 8 New Models This Year
GAC consolidates Philippine operations under ONE GAC
The local operations of Chinese automaker GAC have been consolidated under a single, factory‑owned structure in the Philippines as the company expands its electric‑vehicle lineup.
In late January of this year, GAC International Philippines confirmed that it had assumed unified control of all GAC‑related brands operating in the country under the global ONE GAC framework. The change places the company’s internal‑combustion models, the AION electric‑vehicle range, and the Hyptec sub‑brand under one Philippine organization responsible for sales, dealer operations, and after‑sales support.
The consolidation follows the introduction of electric and hybrid vehicles that had previously been managed under separate arrangements. As part of the restructuring, dealer standards, pricing policies, and warranty coverage are being aligned across brands.
As of February 9, the company formally opened its offices unifying the various local operations.
Current EV Lineup In The Philippines
The company has already outlined the first phase of its electric‑vehicle presence in the country. At industry events in late 2025, including the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, three battery‑electric models were presented for the local market, a lineup also covered in a detailed report by CleanTechnica.
These include the AION V, a compact electric SUV positioned for mainstream buyers; the smaller AION UT, aimed at entry‑level EV customers; and the Hyptec HT, a larger and more premium electric SUV. Together, the three models establish the brand’s initial EV footprint in the Philippines, covering mass‑market, compact, and higher‑end segments.
How The Brand Evolved
The current setup follows several changes in local distribution since the brand entered the Philippines.
GAC vehicles were first introduced locally in 2018 through Legado Motors Inc. with internal‑combustion models such as the GA4 sedan and the GS4 and GS8 SUVs, and establishing the first dealerships, mainly in Metro Manila. Marketing the brand included racing.
In late 2022, distributorship transferred to Astara Philippines, part of the Astara Group. During this period, the lineup was refreshed and the dealer network expanded, coinciding with growing local interest in electrification driven by fuel prices and early EV incentives.
As electric and higher‑end models were introduced, they entered the country through different channels, resulting in parallel operations with varying dealer requirements and after‑sales systems.
By late 2025, Astara began winding down its automotive distribution activities in the Philippines. The parent group subsequently reassigned full distribution responsibility to GAC International Philippines, expanding the subsidiary’s role beyond its original EV‑focused mandate. The transition was completed in early 2026.
With the ONE GAC structure now in place, all vehicles sold under the brand in the Philippines are handled through a single, factory‑controlled organization. Existing warranties and parts support are expected to continue, while dealers are being re‑accredited under unified standards, including requirements related to electric‑vehicle servicing.
The consolidation sets the framework for how the current EV lineup and the planned 2026 model launches will be rolled out locally under direct manufacturer oversight.
Eight New Models Planned For 2026
Beyond these initial introductions, the company has indicated that up to eight new models are scheduled for launch in the Philippines in 2026. While specific nameplates have not all been disclosed, the pipeline is expected to include a mix of additional battery‑electric vehicles, hybrid models, and refreshed versions of existing offerings.
The expanded rollout aligns with the shift to direct factory oversight, allowing product launches, pricing, and after‑sales preparation to be handled under a single structure. For electric vehicles in particular, this includes dealer readiness for high‑voltage servicing, parts supply, and diagnostics.
CleanTechnica again asked its sources from the China automotive industry to validate a list of possible vehicles, and here is a shortlist:
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AION Y (or AION Y Plus) – a compact electric crossover already exported to other Southeast Asian markets, making compliance with ASEAN lighting, safety, and charging standards largely addressed. Its moderate battery size and power output reduce strain on charging infrastructure, making it a practical volume EV for Metro Manila and secondary cities.
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AION RT – a midsize electric sedan that could appeal to fleet and corporate buyers. From a regulatory standpoint, it does not introduce unusual body styles or power‑train configurations. Pricing and positioning would be the main considerations.
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Hyptec GT – an electric sedan positioned higher in the range. Homologation would be straightforward, but its performance orientation and price would likely limit it to niche buyers.
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Hyptec HL – a larger electric SUV. While technically feasible, its size and weight raise practical issues for urban use and place greater demands on charging infrastructure. Approval may come later, after sufficient fast‑charging partnerships and after‑sales readiness are established.
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Hyptec A800 (in EREV form) – a range‑extended electric vehicle. Although hybrids are allowed in the Philippines, the additional certification, emissions testing, and after‑sales complexity often lead automakers to delay or skip such powertrains in smaller markets unless there is a clear regulatory or commercial advantage.
Taken together, the most homologation‑ready expansion path for 2026 would likely prioritize compact and midsize EVs already exported to other ASEAN markets, followed by selective higher‑end models once infrastructure and service readiness improve. Larger SUVs and range‑extended vehicles would sit at the back of the queue, not because they are impossible to approve, but because they require stronger local conditions to succeed.
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