GAC Motor is ramping up its exploration of overseas markets, the automaker announced at its 2018 international distributor conference in Beijing on Thursday.

It will focus on brand building, sales and customer service operation systems and team building. According to the company, it will step up advertising in all markets, improve customer satisfaction by establishing a rapid response mechanism and increase the international talents level by professional training. "Our vision is to become a world-class brand and a global enterprise," said Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor.

Over the years, the Guangzhou-based company has actively participated in the global automobile market.

In 2017, GAC Motor continued to release popular new models including GS4 and GS8 and participate in various marketing events.

In March, as a representative of Chinese automobile brand, GAC Motor made its debut at the National Automobile Dealers Association Show in the United States, displaying a series of its premium products including the GS8, GM8, GA4 and GS4.

To date, the company has established operations in 14 countries and regions including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa.

"Our presence in emerging markets only marks the beginning," Yu said, adding GAC Motor will continue to explore global markets with an expansion plan to reach 18 markets by the end of 2018.

To realize its annual sales target in 2018, the company will focus on brand building, sales and customer service operation systems, and team building, Yu said. This year marks GAC Motor's 10th anniversary. While working on brand building and channel exploration, the company's global research and development network is also working with its Silicon Valley and Los Angeles R&D centers that have launched operations, while its Detroit R&D center is nearing completion. GAC Motor said it will follow the Belt and Road Initiative and strive to explore markets in related regions, as well as grow in the US and European markets. "GAC Motor is a young brand full of vitality," Yu said. "We will construct long-term partnerships with our dealers and contribute to mutual development and success."