China's GAC Targets 17-Fold Surge in European EV Sales by 2027

Chinese state-owned automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group plans a significant expansion in the European electric vehicle market, aiming to increase its sales seventeen-fold over the next two years, according to a media report.

The strategy was detailed in a report by CNBC published on September 9, 2025, which highlighted the automaker’s plans revealed at the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich, Germany.

GAC aims to sell approximately 3,000 vehicles in Europe in 2025, with a goal to increase this figure to 15,000 units in 2026 and at least 50,000 by 2027. To support this push, the company showcased its fully electric Aion V and Aion UT models at the event and indicated plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid model in the future.

The automaker's move adds to the growing presence of Chinese brands in Europe, including rivals like BYD and XPeng. This trend is intensifying competition in the region's EV sector, placing additional pressure on established European giants such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Wei Haigang, President of GAC International, described Europe as a "strategic market" in an interview, stating that the company hopes it will form a "major portion" of its future overseas business.

GAC is pursuing this expansion despite the European Union's tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. To mitigate this challenge, the company is reportedly exploring local manufacturing in the region. Wei expressed hope for negotiations between China and the EU to lower trade barriers, adding that GAC intends to "build up manufacturing capability in Europe for Europe."

The strategy underscores a broader push by Chinese automakers into the European market. While their collective market share remains modest, it has seen rapid growth, nearly doubling in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. GAC’s combination of aggressive sales targets and potential local production could further accelerate this shift in the continent’s automotive landscape.