Radical GAC electrified dual cab ute confirmed and detailed for Australia
Freshly-arrived Chinese ato giant GAC has confirmed it will introduce an electrified dual cab ute here in 2027, positioning the model as a key pillar in its push to become a top 10 brand in the local market within as little as three years.
Outlined at the launch of the Aion UT compact EV this week, the ute is expected to play a central role in the Chinese brand’s ambition to reach annual sales of up to 60,000 units in Australia within three to five years.
It will be part of a line-up of 10 models or more and a dealer network that will expand from today’s 19 metro outlets to beyond 100 locations.
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GAC International Australia CEO Kevin Shu said the company’s growth strategy would accelerate from 2027, when three additional models are scheduled to arrive including the new dual cab, an electric SUV positioned against the Tesla Model Y, and a large plug-in hybrid SUV, likely to be a moel known as the S7.
The ute will be designed to compete directly with Australia’s top-selling workhorses such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, and is expected to adopt a ladder-frame chassis to deliver both commercial capability and lifestyle appeal.
Shu indicated the production model will take styling inspiration from the radical GAC Pickup 01 concept revealed at the 2025 Shanghai motor show (pictured top), describing it as a vehicle intended to combine “stylish” design with strong load-carrying and performance credentials.
Powertrain details are still under development, but GAC has confirmed the ute will feature an electrified drivetrain, with plug-in hybrid and range-extender electric configurations under consideration.
The company is cool on diesel, signalling a petrol-electric approach aligned with tightening NVES emissions regulations and growing demand for low-emissions commercial vehicles.
“We are starting to research which engine can be available,” Shu said.
“Of course, for the REEV (range extender electric vehicle) and the plug-in hybrid, I think this is the future solution.
“We have to focus on the new energy, between plug-in or REEV.”
The move comes as the number of electrified utes in Australia continues to grow, with several plug-in hybrid rivals already on sale and more due to arrive including the “world-first” Chery plug-in hybrid diesel-electric codenamed KP31.
GAC’s broader Australian expansion plan underpins the importance of the ute to its local ambitions.
The brand, which launched locally in late 2025 with the Aion V electric SUV, Emzoom petrol SUV and M8 plug-in hybrid people mover, has now added the entry-level $31,990 Aion UT and is targeting rapid growth across multiple segments.
Shu said reaching the sales top 10 would likely require annual volumes of at least 50,000 to 60,000 units, referencing the recent performance of established Chinese rivals such as BYD and GWM.
Officially, the gial is to get to the top 10 in five years, but Shu was clear that GAC was hoping to do it sooner: “Maybe one year or two years earlier to achieve this target,” he said.
While stopping short of targeting market leadership, GAC has indicated it intends to build a competitive position through a combination of value-focused pricing, expanding model coverage and a national dealer footprint that includes metro and regional locations.
