GAC has officially opened a new location in the inner-north Melbourne suburb of Preston as the Chinese brand continues the rapid expansion of its Australian dealer network.

Despite being established in China nearly 30 years ago, GAC is still a relatively new brand to the Australian market and the company says this latest dealership forms part of its broader local plans, which includes investments in its dealer representation, customer support and building brand awareness.

Frank Vetrone, dealer principal GAC Preston, Danielle Marazli, southern regional manager GAC Australia, Cheney Liang, deputy general manager GAC Australia, and Kosi Kalaitzidis, general manager GAC Preston pictured right to left

Opened last week and operating under the Autopact Group, GAC Preston is the brand’s 35th dealership opened in Australia and its ninth in the Victorian capital.

At the Guangzhou-based brand’s local launch in Sydney in November of last year, it announced its plans to open 100 dealerships in Australia within five years. Dealer principal, Frank Vetrone, told GoAutoNews Premium that the opening was an important moment for both the business and the growing number of Australians considering new automotive brands.

He said the dealership is committed to becoming part of Melbourne’s northern suburbs community.

“Launching GAC Preston is about more than opening another dealership.”

“It’s about introducing customers to a brand that delivers impressive technology, quality and value, while backing it with the personalised service and long-term relationships that the Autopact Group has always been known for,” Mr Vetrone said.At GAC Preston’s grand opening, guests were given firsthand exposure to several models from the brand’s current line-up including the M8 PHEV people mover, Aion V mid-size electric SUV, Aion UT electric hatchback, and the Emzoom small SUV.

Since its opening event, GAC Preston has reported “encouraging” customer interest, and “believes its combination of modern facilities, customer-first service and innovative vehicle line-up positions it well for continued growth as consumer interest in electrified mobility increases.”The opening of GAC Preston comes as the brand continues its efforts to establish itself in the wider Melbourne community where it recently announced a sponsorship deal with the Melbourne City FC A-League football team.