In a significant strategic move demonstrating its long-term commitment to the Australian market, the Chinese automotive manufacturer GAC is establishing a major operational presence in Melbourne. This facility is set to be one of only seven global warehouse locations for the brand, underscoring the importance GAC places on customer satisfaction and robust aftersales support for its Australian customers and the broader Oceania region. The decision to locate a state-of-the-art parts warehouse in Melbourne is a calculated effort to dramatically improve vehicle serviceability and minimise customer inconvenience.
The primary function of the Melbourne warehouse is to ensure that essential service items and critical crash repair components are readily available before a specific customer need arises. By stocking these common parts proactively, GAC aims to significantly reduce the vehicle downtime experienced by customers awaiting necessary repairs. This strategic inventory management is a cornerstone of the company’s customer service philosophy. Furthermore, the facility's role extends beyond simply serving Australian customers; it is designed to function as a major distribution hub for neighboring markets throughout Oceania. This expanded regional responsibility is expected to yield a high "fill rate" for parts availability, benefitting all regional dealerships and ultimately the end-user.
GAC’s Deputy General Manager, Cheney Liang, highlighted the strategic significance of this investment, describing it as "A hub for the parts distribution across Oceania." Liang elaborated on the operational strategy, stating that this setup "ensures that we will have plentiful stock levels, which will be carefully managed based on the information from our dealership network, and then our ongoing experience." This meticulous approach to inventory management is designed to guarantee that local dealers can access required components at a rapid pace, thereby streamlining the entire service and repair process.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, GAC is heavily investing in the expertise of its Australian dealership network. The company has launched a comprehensive local training program, currently being conducted in Sydney, for its dealer staff. Recognizing that many of its future dealers will operate as multi-franchise locations—sharing premises with other automotive brands—GAC is ensuring its brand standards are maintained. The training program, which is based on the company's proprietary system known as GSSW (GAC Sales and Set Service Way), covers both sales and aftersales procedures.
Liang stressed that the training is designed to guarantee that customers receive a high standard of care consistent with GAC’s global benchmarks. The curriculum is not limited to frontline staff, but also encompasses key managerial roles, including dealer principals and business managers. The objective is to fully immerse these leaders in the brand's identity and values. As Liang explained, "We want them to know better, know more about GAC, about GAC's product philosophy, about GAC's history," adding, "Because these are the things that we want the customer to know." The goal is for the entire dealership network to become effective ambassadors, capable of conveying GAC’s core message and product ethos directly to the consumer.
GAC's official launch into the Australian market is scheduled for November 18, 2025. The initial rollout will involve a network of 12 dealers, with plans already in place to quickly expand this footprint to 20 locations shortly thereafter. The product line-up at launch will feature three distinct models, a number the company plans to rapidly grow to eight models by 2027. Full details regarding the pricing structure and warranty provisions for the entire model range are set to be officially announced just before the brand's much-anticipated market entry. The combination of a substantial parts distribution hub and a dedicated training regime demonstrates GAC's thorough preparation for its Australian debut, signalling an intent to be a significant and reliable player in the local automotive landscape.