GAC earns Kantar automotive recognition

GAC Philippines has been named the “2026 Breakthrough Brand — Automotive” in Kantar’s 2026 BrandZ Spotlight on Philippine Brands report, one of only two automotive brands recognized this year.

The recognition comes as the local auto market sees wider interest in electrified vehicles. Data cited by Kantar Philippines showed that electrified vehicles accounted for 15.3 percent of new vehicle sales recorded by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and the Truck Manufacturers Association in the first half of 2026.

Kantar also cited an April 2026 consumer survey in which 74 percent of respondents said they would consider buying an electric vehicle.

GAC received the award based on factors that included consumer connection, brand differentiation, market relevance and future growth potential.

Kantar uses its Meaningful, Different and Salient framework to assess how brands meet consumer needs, stand apart from competitors and maintain market presence. Its BrandZ research combines consumer studies with financial data in evaluating brands.

GAC Philippines general manager Calvin Cheng said the recognition came as the company continued to develop its new energy vehicle lineup in the country.

The award follows a reorganization completed earlier this year. GAC Philippines became a wholly owned local subsidiary of GAC International and placed GAC Motor, Aion and Hyptec under its “ONE GAC” structure.

The company said the change centralized local sales operations, aftersales support and dealer coordination.

GAC currently has 30 dealerships nationwide. It also maintains a local parts warehouse and provides two years of roadside assistance to customers.

Its internal combustion engine models carry a five-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty, whichever comes first. The lineup includes the GS4, GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo, GS8, Empow, M6 Pro, GN6 and M8.

Electric models such as the Aion Y, Hyptec HT, Aion UT, Aion V and Aion ES come with an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer basic warranty. Their traction battery and electric drive are covered for eight years or 200,000 kilometers.

GAC’s plug-in hybrid and hybrid models, including the GS4 Max, E8, GN8 and GS8, carry a five-year or 150,000-kilometer basic warranty. Their power battery, drive motor and motor control unit are covered for eight years or 150,000 kilometers.

The company said its current product strategy draws from more than two decades of manufacturing collaboration with Toyota and Honda while it develops more electrified and intelligent vehicles.

GAC and Toyota were the two automotive brands recognized during this year’s Kantar BrandZ Philippine awards. Other honorees came from banking, health supplements, telecommunications, retail and beer categories.