From an area of the world mostly unknown to the automotive media, a startup automotive company beginning its march toward globalization showed its wares for the second time in three years at the Detroit auto show.
But Guangzhou Automotive Group (GAC), which sold over 1 million vehicles last year, is far from an automotive garage band. And this year, GAC is running at full throttle to further its plans for the U.S. market with the Trumpchi GS4 compact sport utility vehicle.
What is it?
This is the second time that GAC has shown in Detroit, and the first time that the marque has shown the Trumpchi GS4 in North America. The GS4 is a compact SUV that shows the potential that GAC has in its domestic market for building credible automobiles, after years of producing blatant knockoffs. With handsome design cues and a reasonable size, it's not hard to eventually imagine the GS4 as a competitor to the likes of the Honda CR-V.
What's new?
The GS4 is an entirely new model for GAC. It will be offered with a choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Should GAC achieve its target of U.S. sales by 2017, then the GS4 could ostensibly make it to American roads.
Most fascinating feature?
The kink in the rear-quarter window is reminiscent of the same intricate design found on the 2015 Nissan Murano.
Can I buy it?
If you live in one of several markets where GAC has sales, then you can buy the GS4 as early as this spring, once production begins.
Auto World News is on the ground and covering the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Stay with us this week for up-to-the-minute coverage of all the action in Detroit, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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