This 2023 has been a great year for GAC Motor Philippines. After Astara took over distributorship rights in the country, the brand launched several new and exciting models. With great looks, an assortment of features, great performance, and unbeatable pricing, GAC’s vehicles became sales hits.

This allowed its local distributor to hit milestones and solidify its reputation as one of the hottest Chinese automobile brands in the country. It intends to continue this momentum as it shares its plans with members of the media during the GAC (Astara) thanksgiving celebration.

For 2024, GAC will be launching six new models. And at last night’s event, the brand previewed two of those.

First is the M6 Pro. This seven-seater MPV targets Filipino families looking for a stylish, feature-packed people mover. If it looks familiar, that’s because this is based on the GN6 that the previous distributor brought here.

It does look better thanks to a nice front grille design flanked by LED DRLs and headlamps. While the sides are very similar to the GN6, the M6 Pro gets a set of new 18-inch rims. The rear end features a nice taillamp design that spans the width of the MPV.

Inside, you’ll see an expansive slab that houses both the seven-inch digital instrument cluster and the 10.25-inch infotainment screen. It also comes loaded with various features like a dual-zone climate control system, leather seats, a surround-view camera system, Type-A and Type-C USB ports, and an Apple CarPlay-capable eight-speaker audio system.

You’d also get rain-sensing front wipers, parking sensors, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Safety features include airbags, traction control, hill-start and hill-descent control, tire pressure monitoring system, and a suite of advanced driver-assist systems.

Powering the M6 Pro is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a seven-speed, wet-type dual-clutch transmission. This has 174hp and a healthy 270Nm.

There will be two available variants when it launches next year. Pricing starts at around P1.2 million for the entry-level GS, and about P1.5 million for the range-topping GL.

Next is the Toyota Alphard-imitating M8. Not much was shared when GAC gave us a sneak peek of this luxury van a few months ago. But at yesterday’s event, GAC gave us an idea of what to expect from it when it is formally released next year.

Like the M6 Pro, the M8 can seat up to seven people more comfortably. Other than what we’ve already shared with you, exterior highlights include a set of nice-looking 18-inch wheels, LED headlamps, and power-folding side mirrors.

The unit on display was locked, so we weren’t able to take a glimpse of the interior. All we know is that it will come with a tri-zone automatic climate control system, power-adjusting and heated/cooled driver and passenger seats, two tray tables, ambient lighting, and a panoramic roof.

There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an even bigger 14.6-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, Type-A and Type-C USB ports, an eight-speaker audio system, and a surround-view camera. Safety features include several airbags, traction control, and advanced driver-assist systems.

Powering the M8 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain makes 248hp and an impressive 400Nm.

Pricing will be about P3 million for the “entry-level” GL, and P4 million for the GX Master variant.

GAC Motor Philippines is now taking reservations for both models starting today (December 14). The formal launch and retail sales will commence by early 2024.

GAC exponentially grew and became popular in 2023. With new offerings coming and Astara’s capable management handling its operations, we can only expect it to perform even better in 2024.