GAC Commercial Vehicle to power pickup push beyond China

GAC Commercial Vehicle is eyeing an acceleration in overseas markets with its SMILODON PRO pickup—a model executives hope will spearhead the brand's global presence.

On Saturday, dealers from across the Middle East and Latin America experienced the model in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, where the company is based.

The SMILODON PRO was tested over 13 obstacle courses—mud pits, steep inclines, Z-turns, and axle-twisters—an intentionally grueling exhibition meant to translate engineering claims into visceral proof.

"I thought that nearly 40-degree slope would be tough—but the truck climbed it easily," said one dealer from the Middle East after conquering a steep ascent.

Du Peiyuan, general manager of GAC Pickup, said, "The SMILODON PRO is a reliable partner—one that truly understands user needs and gets the job done."

GAC is wagering on capability-plus-comfort—a formula that redefines pickups beyond their traditional role as work tools.

The SMILODON PRO features a reinforced chassis and a large-capacity bed for heavy-duty hauling, paired with a robust power system for demanding terrain.

But inside, the cockpit aims to exceed expectations of a typical commercial vehicle, offering greater comfort and smarter features designed as a "mobile living space".

The SMILODON PRO is positioned to challenge incumbents in a segment that accounts for nearly 20 percent of global vehicle sales.

With Chinese supply-chain efficiency and cost advantages, GAC is promoting the pickup's high-value-for-money proposition as a market disruptor.

Crucially, GAC is also building a marketing ecosystem around it.

Wang Henan, marketing director of GAC Pickup, said the company is committed to co-creating market success with its dealers.

"GAC Commercial Vehicle will uphold its belief in shared success, building strategic alliances with partners, and creating a systematic, empowering, and measurable marketing support network that fully activates market momentum," said Wang.

GAC's pickup lineup is already on sale in Central and South America as well as the Middle East, with plans to expand into around 30 countries by 2026, said Lu Jiankang, CMO of GAC Pickup.

The push is backed by the Group's broader presence—GAC vehicles now reach over 80 markets, and multiple overseas regions have surpassed annual sales of 10,000 units.