GAC Motors to Open Regional HQ in California

China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. has chosen Irvine, Calif., as home to its North American sales office ahead of plans to begin sales in the region a few years from now.

The California office will coordinate GAC’s branding, product planning and financial activities. The company opened a similar office in Russia last summer with plans to begin sales this year. The carmaker also operates a 50,000-sq-ft research and development center in Farmington Hills, Mich.

GAC currently sells sedans, crossover vehicles and minivans in 18 countries. Its timetable for beginning sales in the American market has been delayed by the trade war between China and the U.S.

GAC had planned to introduce its new GS8 large crossover (pictured) in the U.S. this year. But GAC President Yu Jun told reporters at the Paris auto show last October that the launch date could slip into 2020 because of continuing trade tensions between the China and the U.S.

The company unveiled the all-electric Entranze concept crossover at the Detroit auto show earlier today. The stylish SUV features voice-activated interior controls, large displays and a 3-2-2 seating configuration that creates a center aisle for second- and third-row seats.