Guangzhou-based GAC Motor, a subsidiary of GAC Group, made its European debut at this year's Paris Motor Show in early October as part of its effort to break into the European market.

With an exhibition area of 1,000 square meters, GAC Motor was the only independent Chinese car manufacturer to make its presence felt at the show, which opened on Oct 2.

The company's glamorous French debut included the official unveiling of its all-new GS5 SUV, the local premiere of its concept car Enverge, and an exhibition of its other models, including the SUV GS4, high-end SUV GS8, GM8 minivan and GA4 sedan.

A number of distinguished guests were present at the Paris debut, including Jean-Claude Girot, managing director of the Paris Motor Show; CEOs of GAC Motor's global component suppliers, partners and distributors; representatives from the Chinese embassy in France and the French representative office of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade; as well as representatives of other international organizations based in France.

Visitors loved the excellent build quality and smart connection technology of GAC Motor's vehicles, further demonstrating the strength of China's high-end manufacturing capabilities.

Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor, said the Paris debut would help the company to communicate with and learn from fellow world-leading automobile brands and introduce the brand to more people.

"GAC Motor's first SUV model, the GS5, once served as a cultural ambassador for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-French diplomatic relations and traveled to Paris in 2014," he said.

Yu added that he was excited to return to Paris and officially start GAC Motor's new journey in Europe under the theme "new perspectives, new perceptions" .

The all-new GS5 SUV, codeveloped by the automaker's research and development centers in Guangzhou in Guangdong province, Shanghai and the United States, features robust power, futuristic styling and safety and is designed for the younger generation and families. The new Enverge energy concept vehicle demonstrated GAC Group's thinking on new products, new technology and future mobility. Its other models at the event showcased GAC Motor's manufacturing capabilities and its determination to become a frontrunner among China's auto brands selling to European customers.

"GAC Motor has a bright blueprint to build a world-class brand and a global company," Yu said. "We are eagerly looking forward to seeing GAC Motor vehicles on the streets in Europe."

"In facing the stricter challenges and tests in this mature market, we are confident that our leading qualities, technology and R&D ability will lead to further breakthroughs and create an enjoyable life of mobility for global consumers."

Founded in 2008, GAC Motor has become a market leader in China with a compound annual growth rate of 75 percent. The company sold 500,000 vehicles in 2017, compared to 17,000 units in 2011.

To cash in on the opportunities of the Belt and Road Initiative, GAC Motor has set up sales and service networks in 15 countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Americas and has been awarded "Best Chinese Car Brand" in quite a few overseas markets.

Meanwhile, GAC Motor has gathered global high-end resources, established an R&D center in Silicon Valley and opened a design center in Los Angeles in the US.

GAC Motor unveils its all-new GS5 SUV at the Paris Motor Show in early October as part of its effort to break into the European market. Senior GAC Group and GAC Motor executives meet motoring journalists at a news conference on Oct 2. Photos provided to China Daily