GAC aligns Australian and UK operations under new regional structure

GAC International has combined its Oceania and UK markets into a single strategic region and appointed Aries Zhao to lead the new structure.

Zhao has been appointed president of GAC’s UK and Oceania Region Centre and chief executive of GAC Australia, effective immediately.

The organisational changes were announced alongside GAC Australia’s inaugural dealer conference in Sydney, which brought together representatives from all 46 of the brand’s appointed Australian dealerships.

GAC says combining the UK and Oceania operations reflects similarities between the right-hand-drive markets, including vehicle safety, quality, technology and customer expectations.

Cheney Liang will continue as chief operating officer of GAC Australia, while Kevin Shu, who led the Australian operation following the brand’s launch, will remain with GAC International in a role working across other markets.

GAC Group vice president and GAC International chairman Jack Chen introduced Zhao to the Australian dealer network and reiterated the importance of the market to the Chinese carmaker’s international expansion.

“Australia is a key strategic market for GAC’s global expansion, and you are our most important partners in building our success here,” Chen says.

Zhao says the company has established its initial product line-up and dealer network during its first year in Australia.

“Taking on the leadership of our Australian operations at such a pivotal moment is an honour.

“During our first year, we have already established an exceptional product lineup and the foundations of a strong customer-focused dealer network. I’d like to thank Kevin Shu for his contribution to this region and wish him well on his next journey with GAC.”

Zhao says bringing the two regions together fits GAC’s wider right-hand-drive strategy.

“The joining of the Oceania and UK regions represents a natural fit for our global right-hand-drive strategy.

“Both markets share high standards for vehicle safety, quality, technology and customer care standards. Our new structure will allow us to embrace the alignments of these markets, while also catering for their cultural nuances.”

The dealer conference also recognised dealerships for their performance during the first half of the year.

GAC Burwood and GAC Dandenong were named as leading dealerships after each recording more than 300 retail vehicle sales.