On October 19, the first phase of the 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) concluded successfully. Under the theme “Innovation, Intelligence, and Sustainability,” this year’s Canton Fair outlined a high-quality transformation path from “Made in China” to “Created in China,” while serving as a premier platform for Chinese enterprises to engage with the global market.
The 138th Canton Fair
As a leading force in China’s automotive industry going global, GAC participated for the 28th time under the theme “Where Craft Meets Technology.” Blending Lingnan cultural heritage with the spirit of the National Games, GAC showcased three flagship models: the GAC S7, AION UT, and HYPTEC HL — together with its latest achievements in the energy ecosystem. Through an integrated presentation of “Technology Globalization, Ecosystem Globalization, and Culture Globalization,” GAC demonstrated its advancement from “product export” to “ecosystem export” and “system export,” illustrating how Chinese brands are redefining their global presence with a broader vision, innovative pathways, and a forward-looking strategy.
GAC Showcased Flagship Models at the 138th Canton Fair
Embracing Innovation, Intelligence, and Sustainability, GAC’s “Three-Pronged Global Strategy” Defines a “New Model for Going Global”
Founded in 1957, the Canton Fair is the longest-standing, highest-level, and largest comprehensive international trade event in China. Renowned for its wide range of exhibits and broad global reach, it serves as both a “bellwether” and a “barometer” for China’s foreign trade.
As a vital platform for China’s opening-up, the Canton Fair has witnessed the deepening integration of China and the global economy — from humble beginnings to full-scale participation in international industrial chains. Once a “window for Made-in-China,” it has evolved into a “global exhibition and trading platform for world manufacturing”.
This year’s Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou — the “Thousand-Year Merchant City” — upheld the core principle of “Canton Fair, Global Share.” With an innovative, open, and inclusive spirit, the fair centered on the theme of “Innovation, Intelligence, and Sustainability.” It provided Chinese enterprises with a premium stage to showcase high-quality products and cutting-edge technologies, fostering deeper global exchange and cooperation. In doing so, it also guided the broader evolution of industry trends and global markets, offering Chinese companies a clear and forward-looking pathway toward internationalization.
The main aisle outside the GAC booth was crowded with visitors
As the only Chinese automobile manufacturer exhibiting at the 138th Canton Fair, GAC took center stage with its comprehensive three dimensions of going global — Technology Globalization, Ecosystem Globalization, and Culture Globalization — showcasing its strong capabilities in innovation, intelligence, and sustainability under the “Tech-driven GAC” vision.
In pursuing product innovation, GAC presented its leading intelligent EV lineup, including the GAC S7, AION UT, and HYPTEC HL, demonstrating cutting-edge advancements in intelligent connectivity and electric powertrain technologies. The AION UT has already been launched in several overseas markets, while the GAC S7 and HYPTEC HL are set to enter the global market soon.
Under the “One GAC 2.0” global strategy, GAC continues to strengthen its technological intelligence. Beyond advancing vehicle smartification across international markets, the company integrates smart mobility concepts into its global operations, building a full value-chain ecosystem that spans R&D, manufacturing, services, and energy solutions — an achievement that embodies “Ecosystem Globalization.”
In the energy sustainability domain, GAC remains committed to its “2⁶ Energy” initiative, aiming to become a leader in integrated energy solutions. Through the development of a solar-storage-charging-swapping network, GAC is driving global green energy transformation while promoting ESG principles. By actively engaging in social responsibility projects and embracing local cultures, the company strives to be an outstanding global “corporate citizen”.
Staying true to its long-term vision, GAC is accelerating the “Technology Globalization, Ecosystem Globalization , and Culture Globalization.” Through its evolution from “single-point breakthroughs” to systematic international output, GAC is positioning itself as a creator of low-carbon, green, and intelligent mobility for a better life.
GAC lifestyle
GAC Showcases Culture-Driven Innovation, Exploring New Paths for Collaborative Global Expansion
GAC’s presence at the fair wasn’t just about “showcasing vehicles”, “showcasing technology”, or “showcasing ecosystems”, it was about showcasing culture.
As the only Chinese automotive OEM participating in the Canton Fair, the only automotive brand participating in the Music & Cuisine Festival, and the exclusive official vehicle partner of the National Games, GAC deeply integrated the “Technology + Lifestyle” concept into the Guangfu culture. Through this, it not only demonstrated the innovative power of “Intelligently Made-in-China” but also highlighted Guangzhou’s openness, creativity, and vitality as an international consumption city.
By creating immersive experiences such as the “mobile reception rooms,” GAC brought together Lingnan cuisine, sporting energy, and intelligent mobility into a seamless cultural experience. This approach created a harmonious environment where “people, cars, and lifestyle” coexist, making GAC a benchmark for a “Canton Fair + Food Festival + National Games” integrated city IP. Furthermore, by blending Lingnan craftsmanship with its technological innovation strategy, GAC reinforced its brand image of “high-quality, high-tech, and trustworthy” vehicles, while promoting the global development concept of “Where Craft Meets Technology.”
GAC Joined the 138th Canton Fair Music & Cuisine Festival
Using vehicles as a bridge, GAC enabled international visitors to experience the tangible depth and warmth of Chinese intelligent manufacturing, elevating the brand from an “industrial brand” to a “lifestyle brand”.
Notably, at this year’s Canton Fair + Cuisine Festival, GAC, rooted in Guangzhou and grown in the Greater Bay Area, pioneered cross-industry collaborations that are uniquely “Guangzhou in character”. By partnering with well-known local brands such as Tao Tao Ju, Dian Dou De, and Sheng Mao Tai, GAC broke industrial boundaries, created mutual brand synergies, and maximized promotional impact. At the same time, as a global brand listed among the Fortune Global 500 for 13 consecutive years, GAC leveraged the Canton Fair as a super platform to explore new collaborative paths for local enterprises aiming to go global. By promoting “technology globalization, ecosystem globalization, and culture globalization”, GAC helps Guangzhou-based brands “going abroad together” and advance global expansion in a coordinated, strategic manner.
GAC has launched cross-over collaborations with well-known local brands from Guangzhou
From “Exhibitor” to “Co-Creator”, GAC and the Canton Fair Join Forces to Drive Urban Growth
GAC’s relationship with the Canton Fair goes far beyond simple participation — it represents a “two-way journey” of urban development and industrial globalization. Since its first appearance at the Fair in 2012, GAC has evolved from a newcomer showcasing domestic products into a leader presenting advanced intelligent and electric vehicles, as well as cutting-edge innovations in new energy, smart connectivity, and sustainable mobility. The Canton Fair has witnessed GAC’s growth, while GAC itself has become a vivid symbol of the Fair’s transformation toward innovation, intelligence, and sustainability.
GAC Energy Ecology System Showcased at the GAC Booth
In 2012, GAC took a key step in international cooperation at the Canton Fair. At that time, GAC officially started a partnership with Kuwait's Mutawa Alkazi Company at the fair, marking an important starting point for GAC's efforts to expand into overseas markets through the Canton Fair. Over 13 consecutive years of participation, GAC has continuously expanded its global sales and service network, building a worldwide presence that now spans 85 countries, 570 sales outlets, and 5 overseas plants. This international expansion has not only elevated GAC’s global footprint but also enriched the brand value and industrial influence of the Canton Fair. Many international automotive partners first came to the Fair because of GAC — and stayed because they discovered its unique appeal. Together, GAC and the Canton Fair have formed a virtuous cycle of “industry empowering exhibition, exhibition driving industry,” contributing to both urban vitality and global cooperation.
At this year’s Canton Fair, GAC’s presence reflects far more than corporate progress — it embodies China’s manufacturing evolution from “Made in China” to “Intelligently Made” and “Created in China.” GAC’s journey from local roots to global reach mirrors the broader advancement of China’s automotive and manufacturing industries.
The GAC booth was buzzing with visitors
Looking ahead, under its “One GAC 2.0” global strategy, GAC will continue to strengthen its international presence across product layout, energy networks, service ecosystems, and brand culture, further solidifying its position as a “new benchmark” for Chinese automotive globalization. Meanwhile, as a vital gateway for Chinese enterprises to engage with the world, the Canton Fair will continue to grow alongside GAC, together writing a new chapter for “Intelligent Manufacturing in China” and showcasing “the strength of Chinese creation” to the world.