On May 25, 2025, GAC INTERNATIONAL held a grand launch event for the GS8 Traveller Edition at the Sultana Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Through strategic cooperation, cultural integration, and product innovation, GAC demonstrated its commitment to deepening its roots in the Middle Eastern market. The event was attended by senior executives from GAC INTERNATIONAL, the Saudi AI Jomaih Group, 40 prominent Saudi media representatives, 6 industry leaders, and 11 car owner representatives. The live broadcast reached a total exposure of over 4.3 million views.
The launch event innovatively created a "offline + online matrix" communication paradigm. Through live streaming platforms and a matrix of mainstream Saudi media, the event achieved a total global exposure of over 4.3 million, with 74,000 views and a peak of 2,600 online viewers. This greatly boosted the visibility of the GS8 Traveller Edition launch in the Saudi market.
Before the launch event, Wang Shunsheng, Vice President of GAC INTERNATIONAL, held a closed-door meeting with Saudi dealership investors and their team. Both parties reached a consensus on deepening localized operations and optimizing product matrix cooperation. Following the meeting, they exchanged gifts symbolizing the China-Saudi Arabia friendship, signifying the enduring and ever-growing partnership.
Before the launch event began, guests were welcomed with a traditional Saudi reception dance. Saudi men, wearing curved swords, performed the dance, bringing the atmosphere to a climax. This respect for and integration with the local culture truly brought the event to life.
Mishari Al Jomaih, a representative of the Al Jomaih Group, stated in his opening speech: "For the past seven years, GAC has become the first choice for Saudi families' travel with its reliable quality. The launch of the GS8 Traveller Edition is not only a milestone in responding to the high-end demands of Saudi users, but also a key step in driving the upgrade of the automotive industry."
Wang Shunsheng, Vice President of GAC INTERNATIONAL, then addressed the global audience, stating: “GS8 Traveller Edition is an extension of GAC’s flagship model GS8. It represents a further step in expanding our footprint in the mid-to-large SUV segment. It is designed for consumers who enjoy outdoor adventures, family outings, and a high-end lifestyle, while this model delivers on space, comfort, and performance, reinforcing the premium brand image GAC.”He also emphasized that GAC will rely on the “One GAC” global strategy to integrate the resources of its three major brands— HYPTEC, GAC, and AION—and collaborate with Al Jomaih Group to optimize the sales and service network, accelerating the construction of a premium mobility ecosystem.
Fahad Hameed, Saudi Market Manager of GAC, unveiled the model’s key features. The GS8 Traveller Edition adopts a sharp-edged mecha-style front design with a floating star grille and bold silver-grey accents, projecting a robust visual identity. With an almost 5-meter body and flexible 7-seat configuration, it caters to both long-distance family trips and off-road adventures.The announcement of pricing by Fahad Hameed triggered an immediate spike in livestream studio engagement.
Amid a traditional Saudi dance performance, the GS8 Traveller Edition slowly rolled onto center stage. Its muscular front fascia and streamlined body glistened under the spotlight, prompting guests to capture the moment on their phones.
Media representatives explored the GS8 Traveller Edition’s features, including its immersive audio system. Many customers remarked: “The oversized trunk easily fits sandboards and picnic gear—ideal for Saudi weekend getaways.” Tailored for outdoor travel, family mobility, and premium lifestyles, the GS8 Traveller Edition meets the diverse needs of Saudi consumers with its spacious design, superior comfort, and high performance.As an extension of GAC’s flagship SUV, the Travel Edition elevates the brand from a functional tool to a lifestyle partner, embodying quality mobility for modern consumers.
As a core market for GAC INTERNATIONAL Middle East strategy, Saudi Arabia has accumulated a strong reputation among users. The launch of the GS8 Traveller Edition strengthens the mid-to-large luxury SUV segment in Saudi Arabia and further reinforces the brand's positioning through its flagship model. In the future, GAC will accelerate the development of local R&D centers, using Saudi Arabia as a pivot to expand into the six Gulf countries.
At the key moment of the 35th anniversary of China-Saudi diplomatic relations and the advancement of Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030," the launch of the GS8 Traveller Edition holds special strategic significance. Building on the trust established through "seven years of deep cultivation and tens of thousands of users," it signals a commitment to deepening local partnerships. By continuously optimizing the sales and service system, GAC aims to strengthen market confidence in its long-term presence in Saudi Arabia. This introduction not only seeks a market breakthrough for a single model but also focuses on consolidating Saudi Arabia's position as a strategic hub in the Middle East through the launch of high-end products, ultimately achieving dual empowerment of brand globalization and localized operations.