GAC Philippines has officially been recognized as the “2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive” in Kantar’s 2026 BrandZ Spotlight on Philippine Brands report — one of the world’s most respected brand equity research systems. The recognition places GAC alongside a prestigious roster of industry leaders honored across key consumer categories, including Banking, Health Supplements, Communication Providers, General Retailers, and Beers.
Within the automotive segment, GAC and Toyota were the only two automotive brands recognized at the event — with GAC earning the distinguished Breakthrough Brand title, reflecting the brand’s rapid rise and deepening connection with Filipino consumers.
According to Forbes’ coverage of brand equity research, Kantar BrandZ is widely regarded as the gold standard for brand valuation globally — combining verified financial data with massive consumer research to produce one of the most comprehensive brand assessments available. Earning a BrandZ recognition in the Philippines, therefore, carries significant weight across both the local and regional automotive industry.
Why GAC Won: Strong Consumer Connection and Market Relevance
GAC Philippines’ recognition was primarily driven by four key strengths: strong consumer connection, brand differentiation, market relevance, and future growth potential. Rankings are determined using Kantar’s Meaningful, Different, and Salient (MDS) framework — measuring how well a brand meets consumer needs, stands out from competitors, and drives market impact.
“Being named the 2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive reflects our rapid strides in the market and our commitment to empowering Filipinos with cutting-edge mobility technology through our new energy lineup,” said Calvin Cheng, General Manager of GAC Philippines.
The EV Shift Is Already Happening in the Philippines
GAC’s breakthrough recognition comes at a defining moment for the Philippine automotive market. Kantar Philippines data shows that in the first half of 2026, electrified vehicles (xEVs) accounted for 15.3% of new vehicle sales recorded by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and the Truck Manufacturers Association (CAMPI-TMA). Furthermore, Kantar Philippines’ April 2026 consumer survey reveals that 74% of respondents would consider purchasing an EV.
As Statista’s Southeast Asia EV market report highlights, the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing EV markets in the region — driven by rising fuel costs, government incentives, and growing consumer awareness of sustainable mobility options. GAC is emerging as a trusted choice for Filipino families navigating this new energy era, backed by reliable quality, advanced electrification technology, and a comprehensive product lineup spanning ICE, HEV, PHEV, and full EV vehicles.
ONE GAC: A Unified Vision for the Philippine Market
In early 2026, GAC Philippines completed a strategic reorganization as a wholly-owned local subsidiary under GAC International. Anchored by the “ONE GAC” philosophy — unifying GAC MOTOR, AION, and HYPTEC under a single brand — centralized operations now deliver streamlined sales, optimized aftersales support, and tighter nationwide dealer coordination.
This reorganization reflects GAC’s commitment to a consistent, seamless ownership experience across every touchpoint — from initial purchase to long-term aftersales support. As McKinsey & Company’s automotive industry report notes, automotive brands that successfully unify their consumer experience under a single brand philosophy consistently outperform fragmented multi-brand competitors in emerging markets.
Where Craft Meets Technology
With manufacturing expertise shaped by over two decades of collaboration with Toyota and Honda, GAC brings together proven craftsmanship and next-generation technology — embodied in the brand’s tagline: “Where Craft Meets Technology.” Its growing strength in electrification includes the ultra-safe Magazine Battery 2.0 and the ADiGO intelligent ecosystem, both of which underpin its new energy vehicle lineup.
GAC Philippines Ownership Experience
GAC Philippines supports its owners through a nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, and two years of free roadside assistance. Warranty coverage is tailored by powertrain:
- ICE models (GS4, GS3 EMZOOM, EMKOO, GS8, EMPOW, M6 Pro, GN6, M8) — 5-year or 150,000 km warranty
- EV models (AION Y, Hyptec HT, AION UT, AION V, AION ES) — 8-year or 160,000 km basic warranty, plus 8-year or 200,000 km for traction battery and electric drive
- PHEV and HEV models (GS4 Max, E8, GN8, GS8) — 5-year or 150,000 km basic warranty, plus 8-year or 150,000 km for the power battery, driving motor, and motor control unit
To book a test drive or find a dealership near you, visit gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive or follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.
