Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) marked the production of its 30-millionth vehicle at a ceremony at its Guangzhou plant on 16 July, with the milestone unit, a right-hand-drive GAC M8 plug-in hybrid electric SUV, handed to Thai customer Tony Jaa. The event was linked live to GAC’s plants in Thailand, Indonesia and Austria, where concurrent milestones were announced.

GAC’s Thailand facility simultaneously rolled off its 10,000th vehicle, a new model was produced in Indonesia, and series production of the Aion UT commenced at the group’s Graz plant. The M8 plug-in hybrid’s selection as the milestone vehicle reflects the growing weight of overseas demand; the model is sold internationally as the GN8.

GAC began overseas expansion in 2013 and has since built a network spanning 110 countries and regions across five continents, with more than 746 sales and service outlets, seven overseas plants and nine parts warehouses. In the first half of 2026, the automaker exported more than 120,000 vehicles, a 132% increase year on year, bringing cumulative exports past 540,000 units.

The milestone arrives as domestic competition in China’s new energy vehicle market intensifies, making export growth increasingly central to group strategy. Staging a global live event and handing the 30-millionth vehicle to an overseas customer reflects how deliberately GAC is reframing its identity; the Aion UT’s European production launch extends that ambition into a market where Chinese brands continue to face regulatory and commercial scrutiny.

Source: GAC