On October 15, 2025, GAC INTERNATIONAL grandly held a dual-model launch event at the Qatar Racing Club, officially announcing that the luxury off-road GS8 TRAVELLER and high-performance sports sedan EMPOW R had made their local market debut. With the theme of "WHERE CRAFT MEETS TECHNOLOGY", the event fully demonstrated GAC’s dual strengths in covering family travel and extreme driving control through immersive scenario experiences, exclusive test drive experiences, and phased product unveilings.
Ten Years of Synergy: Solidifying the Foundation in the Middle East Market through Localized Cooperation
In 2025, GAC INTERNATIONAL and Qatari dealer DOMASCO mark the 10th anniversary of their cooperation. At the dual-model launch event, Andre Bonthuys, Managing Director of DOMASCO, stated in his opening speech, "DOMASCO has always been committed to introducing automotive products that combine innovative technology and outstanding quality to Qatari consumers. As a leading brand in the global new energy and intelligent automotive sector, GAC’s product strength and market philosophy are highly aligned with ours. The launch of these two models will bring new options to the local automotive market."
Andre Bonthuys, Managing Director of DOMASCO, Delivered a Speech
Zhang Yongming, General Manager of GAC INTERNATIONAL Middle East, attended the event and delivered a speech. He emphasized, "This joint launch of two flagship models with DOMASCO is not only an accurate response to the needs of Qatari consumers but also a deepened implementation of GAC’s 'In local, for local' overseas strategy." He also mentioned that GAC officially launched the "One GAC 2.0" global strategy this year, integrating its three core sub-brands: GAC MOTOR, AION, and HYPTEC. This strategy focuses on innovation, localization, and user experience, aiming to provide higher-quality products and services to global consumers. In the future, GAC INTERNATIONAL will continue to deepen cooperation with DOMASCO in areas such as product adaptation, channel development, and user services, to jointly enhance the brand’s competitiveness in the Middle East market.
Zhang Yongming, General Manager of GAC INTERNATIONAL Middle East, Delivered a Speech
Immersive Experience: Multi-Dimensional Activities Unlocking the Core Value of the Two Models
Through interactive experience designs focused on product value, approximately 120 invited guests at the event deeply experienced the charm of the two models.
At the launch event, a falcon—symbolizing courage, strength, and freedom—made its appearance alongside the GS8 TRAVELLER
In the event’s highlight session, Mark Miranda, Product Manager of DOMASCO shared in-depth insights into the two models, from cutting-edge technology and performance highlights to market positioning, giving guests a clear picture of their core strengths.
Mark Miranda, Product Manager of DOMASCO,Delivered a Speech
Subsequently, the exclusive test drive experience and interactive food area not only allowed guests to intuitively feel the off-road performance and comfortable space of the GS8 TRAVELLER, as well as the sports performance of the EMPOW R, but also narrowed the distance between the brand and guests in a relaxed atmosphere, making GAC’s brand image more vivid and three-dimensional.
Precise Positioning: Two Models Meeting the Diverse Needs of the Qatari Market
GS8 TRAVELLER: The First Choice for High-End Families and Outdoor Scenarios
As a representative product of GAC’s "One GAC 2.0" strategy upgrade, the GS8 TRAVELLER takes "practicality + comfort" as its core selling points. Its exterior adopts a floating wheel design similar to that of the M8, which boasts both recognizability and a sense of luxury. The interior uses a camel brown color scheme to create a warm atmosphere. In terms of power, it is equipped with a high-efficiency powertrain, combined with a full-time 4WD system—whether on urban roads or unpaved roads, it can provide reliable support for users pursuing driving confidence. It can not only meet urban commuting needs but also cope with outdoor adventure scenarios, perfectly adapting to the multi-scenario car usage needs of Qatari families.
Group Photo of GAC INTERNATIONAL Middle East Leaders and the DOMASCO Management Team with the GS8 TRAVELLER
At the exclusive off-road track of the Qatar Racing Club, guests personally explored the BorgWarner Full-Time 4WD System equipped on the model, experiencing its power delivery and handling stability under complex road conditions. The comfortable space brought by the 7-seat layout and camel brown interior was also widely recognized.
GS8 TRAVELLER Test Drive
EMPOW R: A Performance Vehicle for Young Generation
EMPOW R fully demonstrates the vitality and sports DNA of GAC’s brand, and is specially built for driving enthusiasts. It has an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.26 to enhance driving efficiency, an 8AT transmission that delivers a smooth shifting experience, and 4+X driving modes paired with sport bucket seats to further strengthen the sense of control. At the same time, it is equipped with L2-level driving assistance and an intelligent connectivity system, achieving a dual balance of "performance and intelligence". It not only fills the gap of high-quality options in Qatar’s sports sedan market but also reflects GAC’s continuous pursuit of performance breakthroughs.
Appearance of the EMPOW R
At the event, professional drivers led guests to start a "high-adrenaline" driving experience of the EMPOW R, demonstrating its outstanding sports performance in high-speed and handling scenarios. The CarPlay and Android Auto intelligent connectivity functions further improved the convenience of driving and riding.
EMPOW R Test Drive
Group Photo GAC INTERNATIONAL Middle East Leaders and DOMASCO Management Team with the EMPOW R
Strategic Deepening: GAC INTERNATIONAL Accelerates Its Layout in the Middle East Market
In the future, GAC INTERNATIONAL will take Qatar as a hub and continue to focus on the needs of the Middle East market: on the one hand, it will accelerate the localized adaptation of new energy and intelligent connectivity technologies, and launch models more in line with local climate and consumption habits; on the other hand, it will strengthen channel development and user services, improve the sales network, optimize the after-sales system, and enhance the brand’s recognition in the regional market. Ultimately, with technology as the link and cooperation as the driver for development, it will contribute to the upgrading of the Middle East automotive industry while achieving win-win results between the enterprise's globalization and the local market.