Clockwise from top: GN8, a Chinese home-grown MPV model, is to meet the growing demand for high-end vehicles in the Middle East, according to the company. GAC MOTOR showcases its new star model during the event. Zeng Hebin, general manager of GAC MOTOR International, introduces the GN8 at the launch ceremony of the GN8 in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia. Photos Provided to China Daily

GAC Group, a leading Chinese automobile company based in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, will expand its overseas presence by soon introducing more varieties of vehicles to the international market.

The company released the high-end MPV model of GN8 of its self-owned brand, GAC MOTOR on Jan 18. The unveiling took place in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia.

The GN8 release was part of an event held by the Guangzhou government to promote its business and investment environment in the Middle East.

"GAC Group is a leading Chinese automobile manufacturing enterprise in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Entering the global market is part of our important development strategy," said Zeng Qinghong, chairman of GAC Group.

As of 2019, GAC MOTOR, a subsidiary of GAC Group, had sold its vehicles in 24 countries and regions. The automaker has been present at major international automobile events, including shows in North America, Saint Petersburg and Dubai.

In the Middle East alone, GAC MOTOR has established 14 sales centers in nine countries, which had developed booming demand for high-end vehicles. It has participated in the Dubai International Motor Show since 2015, showcasing the great importance it places on the Middle East market.

GN8, a Chinese home-grown high-end MPV model, has served a number of international events including the Fortune Global Forum in 2017, the World Economic Forum and the CNBC East Tech West 2019. The latter event is an annual invite-only tech retreat held in Guangzhou.

The company said it believes the Chinese luxury GN8 model will meet the growing demand for high-end vehicles in the Middle East.

GN8, which was first released in the Dubai Auto Show last November, has already made a presence in the markets of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the Philippines. GAC Group, a Fortune Global 500 company, sold 2.06 million units of vehicles in 2019, and has so far invested 27.8 billion yuan ($4.02 billion) in research and development of self-innovated vehicles.

GAC MOTOR has consolidated its dominance in the domestic industry by retaining its position as the highest-ranking Chinese brand in the J.D. Power Asia Pacific's China Initial Quality Study for seven consecutive years.

JD Power, the US-based global marketing information services company, measures top-performing auto brands and products by surveying millions of consumers.

The extensive automotive surveys conducted on customer satisfaction and product quality have made the index one of the most trustworthy measurements across the industry. "We have developed a higher reputation for quality," Zeng said. "Customers in Saudi Arabia are pleased to use our products."

GAC MOTOR will continue to provide high-end products and services to customers in Saudi Arabia, playing an active role in building a business bridge between China and the Middle East country, according to Zeng.

To expand its business into the overseas market, GAC Group has set up a subsidiary focusing on international business within the group.

GAC MOTOR realized overseas sales increase of 98 percent year-on-year in 2019, and will facilitate its domestic and international market presence by launching various new models in 2020, covering the SUV, MPV, sedan and new energy sectors. In the Middle East, GAC MOTOR will introduce more varieties of vehicles in 2020, upgrading its sales and after-sales services, the company said.

The company will also introduce its pure electric vehicle GE3 in Israel in February.

GAC MOTOR will facilitate its presence and strengthen its cooperation with local dealers by setting up a representative office in the Middle East, according to the company.