GAC Motor completes phase II factory, launches GA3S PHEV

China-based GAC Motor recently held the completion ceremony of the company’s new phase II factory in Guangzhou in June, and launched the new GS8 SUV and GA3S PHEV plug-in hybrid sedan.

Unveiled in November 2015, the GA3S PHEV is equipped with an efficient 1.5L Atkinson engine, advanced G-MC (GAC Mechatronic Coupling) system, liquid-cooled battery pack and e-machines.

The G-MC integrates the generator, traction motor, clutch, drivetrain and differential as a system. The 1.5-liter engine features a compression ratio of 13:1, with fuel consumption of 225 g/kWh only.

All electric range is 70 km (43.5 miles) NEDC. Combined cycle equivalent fuel consumption is less than 1.5 L/100 km (157 mpg US); electricity consumption is 13.6 kWh/100 km. 0-100 km/h acceleration takes 8.9 seconds; top speed is 180 km/h (112 mph).

The phase II factory, constructed in 15 months, will reach a daily production capacity of 740 vehicles by the end of August and is estimated to produce 150,000 vehicles every year. The completion of the phase II factory enables the company to achieve total annual production capacity of 650,000 vehicles.

GAC Motor says that it has been able to lower the production cost in the new factory significantly.

A new 90-meter-long engine assembly line can produce more than 200 models of engines, bringing the annual production to 700,000 engines.

Latest statistics from China Passenger Car Association showed that GAC Motor has sold a total of 159,000 cars in the first half year of 2016, achieving a 170% growth. In June, the company sold 26,100 vehicles in one month—a 143.6% year-on-year growth and highest among all Chinese automobile brands.

The company plans to achieve an annual production capacity of one million vehicles by 2020 upon establishing the global research and development network supported by GAC Automotive Engineering Institute, a global supply chain, cluster marketing and service model as well as founding the vehicle and powertrain platform, building the company’s core competitiveness strength in the international market.