GAC Philippines blazes a trail as the 2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive in the Kantar 2026 BrandZ Spotlight on Philippine Brands. In photo (left to right): Wata Lamar, Kantar Philippines Qualitative Insights Division Lead; Eva Claravall, Kantar Philippines Head of Growth & Marketing; John Paulo del Rosario, GAC Philippines Senior Regional Sales Manager; Calvin Cheng, GAC Philippines General Manager; Max Lyu, GAC Philippines Market and Product Department Head; Ver Barrios, Kantar Philippines Creative Lead and Client Partner; JV Villabroza, Kantar Philippines Chief Client Officer
GAC Philippines has been officially recognized as the “2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive” in Kantar’s 2026 BrandZ Spotlight on Philippine Brands report.
GAC joins a prestigious roster of recognized industry leaders honored across key consumer categories, including Banking, Health Supplements, Communication Providers, General Retailers, and Beers. As this year’s Philippine accolades cover the retail and service sectors, GAC and Toyota were the automotive brands recognized at the event, with GAC receiving the “2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive” title.
Within the automotive category, Kantar Philippines data shows that in the first half of 2026, electrified vehicles (xEVs) accounted for 15.3% of new vehicle sales recorded by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines and the Truck Manufacturers Association (CAMPI-TMA). Meanwhile, Kantar Philippines’ April 2026 consumer survey reveals that 74% of respondents would consider purchasing an EV. As the market enters this new energy era, GAC is emerging as a trusted choice for Filipino families, backed by reliable quality, advanced electrification technology, and a comprehensive product lineup.
GAC Philippines’ recognition was primarily driven by its strong consumer connection, brand differentiation, market relevance, and future growth potential, marking a major milestone as the brand expands its presence throughout the nation.
Published annually, the Kantar BrandZ report is one of the world’s leading brand equity research systems, serving as the gold standard for brand valuation by combining verified financial data with massive consumer research, with this particular recognition celebrating achievements specifically within the Philippines. Rankings are determined objectively using Kantar’s Meaningful, Different, and Salient (MDS) framework to measure how well a brand meets consumer needs, stands out from competitors, and drives market impact.
Calvin Cheng, General Manager of GAC Philippines, stated, “Being named the 2026 Breakthrough Brand – Automotive reflects our rapid strides in the market and our commitment to empowering Filipinos with cutting-edge mobility technology through our new energy lineup.”
In early 2026, GAC Philippines completed a strategic reorganization as a wholly-owned local subsidiary under GAC International. Anchored by the “ONE GAC” philosophy unifying GAC MOTOR, AION, and HYPTEC under a single brand, centralized operations now deliver streamlined sales, optimized aftersales support, and tighter nationwide dealer coordination.
With manufacturing expertise shaped by over two decades of collaboration with Toyota and Honda, and growing strength in electrification and intelligent mobility, GAC brings together proven craftsmanship and next-generation technology—Where Craft Meets Technology.
GAC Philippines supports its owners through a nationwide network of 30 dealerships, a dedicated parts warehouse, two years of free roadside assistance, and tailored warranty coverage. ICE models (GS4, GS3 EMZOOM, EMKOO, GS8, EMPOW, M6 Pro, GN6, and M8) include a 5-year or 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. EV models (AION Y, Hyptec HT, AION UT, AION V, and AION ES) carry an 8-year or 160,000 km basic warranty, along with an 8-year or 200,000 km plan for the traction battery and electric drive, applicable up to the specified milestone. PHEV and HEV models (GS4 Max, E8, GN8, and GS8) offer a 5-year or 150,000 km basic warranty, complemented by an 8-year or 150,000 km policy covering the power battery, driving motor, and motor control unit.
Visit a GAC dealership near you or explore the new energy lineup of GAC Philippines gacgroup.com/en-ph/test-drive. For the latest news and updates, follow @gacmotorph on Facebook and Instagram.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Begins Official Rollout of One UI 9, Bringing the Latest Galaxy Experiences to More Devices
