Astara PH ‘confident’ with GAC amid issue overseas

Astara Philippines expressed its confidence in the vehicles produced by Guangzhou Automobile Group Co, Ltd. (GAC) amid the issue  abroad involving Stellantis.

Late last year, the merger between Stellantis and Guangzhou Automobile Group has decided to file for bankruptcy. Per the Dutch automotive conglomerate, the two shareholders authorized the initiative “in a loss-making context.”

Despite the not-so-successful venture, Astara Philippines Managing Director Raoul Picello told Carmudi Philippines at the the launch of the Empow and the all-new GS8 maintained its certainty on the vehicles produced by the Guangzhou-based marque.

“The product is the base of our choice,” Picello said.

He explained that GAC produces impressively-designed, high-quality vehicles, equipped with great technological features. Plus, GAC’s vehicle lineup — Picello noted — is constantly updated.

“GAC has manufacturing operations with many global brands,” Picello explained, “which gives credibility to the engineering and manufacturing capability of the brand.”

Further, Picello stated, “GAC produced almost three million cars last year, so it is a brand that is starting to have an important footprint outside of China. And I think that in the Philippines, there is room for another Chinese brand. Brands that are already there have been growing relatively fast in a relatively short time and we think we can offer a great alternative for people who are ready to consider Chinese brands with great technology, great quality, great design, at an affordable price.”

However, GAC appears to be more than just an alternative. During yesterday’s event, the Empow showed that it might just have what it takes to hang out with the big boys.

Powering the stylish sedan is a 1.5-liter powerplant mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. On paper, it is said to make as much as 168 horsepower with 270Nm of torque.

At its fore is a beautiful grille flanked by LED headlamps and LED daytime running lamps. Its rear reflects the same design which gives its back-end a slightly aggressive look.

What’s more impressive is the GAC Empow’s interior. The driver gets to enjoy a leather-wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, a seven-inch digital instrument panel, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The center console — as well as other interior appointments — come with carbon fiber-like accents.

The details on the car’s front-row seats, center armrest, and rear seats are also a good touch.

On the other hand, the all-new GAC GS8 boasts an elegant yet capable vibe.

At the front is a larger-than-life grille, also with LED headlamps and LED DRLs on each side.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter GDi mill married to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Per GAC, this setup makes 248 horses with 400Nm of pulling power.

Inside is a multifunctional steering wheel wrapped with a combination of smooth and perforated leather, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, and a big 14.6-inch HD LCD touchscreen infotainment system.

Other notable interior amenities include a sunroof and rear air-conditioning controls.

The GAC Empow is currently offered at a special introductory price ranging from P1.135 million to P1.283 million while the latest GS8 is retailed at P2.298 million.

“Great products, we really look forward to have  our customers try it out,” Picello said.

To note, Astara Philippines announced the acquisition of the GAC vehicle distributorship in the country in December 2022.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

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