Can Dingdong Dantes Help GAC Leapfrog Over the Competition?

GAC Motor Philippines unveiled its newest model, the all-new GS3 Emzoom, at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City. It was also an opportunity to introduce actor and host Dingdong Dantes as the new face of the brand. 

The entertainment personality is a motoring enthusiast himself, and during the launch, he expressed excitement at being tapped to become the new brand ambassador of the Chinese automobile giant.

“Being part of the GAC Motor family means sharing the same values with a brand that is not afraid to push boundaries and strive for excellence,” he said. “I am honored to be part of this growing family of forward-thinking innovators, dedicated to driving more Filipinos closer to the GAC brand experience.”

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The all-new GS3 Emzoom is the latest version of the brand’s GS3 crossover, which is the brand’s entry level model. GAC says that this crossover line combines striking aesthetics, large space, intelligent technology, and performance in one package at an accessible price point. The GS3 Emzoom was first unveiled in China last December, carrying the brand’s bold and futuristic design language, pioneering unique style, advanced technology, and an efficient drivetrain.

“We are proud to host the international debut of the all new GS3 EMZOOM after its reveal in China last December,” said Jun Cajayon, brand head of GAC Motor, Astara Philippines. “The GS3 EMZOOM is the newest challenger in the scene, set to drive the GAC brand to new heights and zoom through Philippine roads with its fierce and sporty character.”

GAC Motors marketing head Franz Decloedt, brand head Jun Cajayon and new brand ambassador Dingdong Dantes at the GS3 Emzoom launch

Photo by GAC.

Following GAC’s new design language, the GS3 Emzoom is a sporty crossover that has geometric textures with angular edges, giving it a futuristic vibe. It’s fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels and GAC’s Sporty Body Kit, which is exclusive to the top of the range GL variant. GAC calls the grille design the “Flying Wing” front grille. Also look out for Laser-Eye LED headlights.

Inside, the cockpit features dual screens, a multi-function steering wheel, leather seats, wireless charging, and futuristic-looking AC vents. The GS3 Emzoom supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Phone Mirroring, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster. It also comes with a sunroof with electric shades. Access to the rear is through a power tailgate.

Photo by GAC.

Safety features include Dual Front Side and Curtain Airbags, seatbelts with Pretensioner and Force Limiters, Hill-start Hold Control (HHC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Electronic Parking Brake with Autohold, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX Child Safety Seat Anchors, and Engine Immobilizer among others. The EmZoom also comes with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features including cruise control, parking sensors, a reverse camera, and other intelligent systems such as High Beam Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Photo by GAC.

Under the hood is a third-generation 1.5 Turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine paired with a seven-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission that delivers 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque.

So, are you convinced? There is no question this new GAC crossover offers a lot of value and build quality at its price point. So why even bother with a new brand ambassador? I have personally been to GAC’s manufacturing facilities in China, and it is quite impressive and at par with the other plants I have visited both in China and elsewhere in the world. Unlike a number of automotive brands that only sprung up recently, GAC is a state-owned automotive company established in the early ‘50s. It is the fifth largest in China and also produces vehicles for other brands in the China market including Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi.

Photo by GAC.

The officials of Astara, the distribution company handling the GAC brand and a few others in the country, believe that getting a clean-cut highly popular celebrity to be its new brand ambassador adds a lot of goodwill and credibility to one of the newest brands in the country. GAC was only introduced in 2019 at the Manila International Auto Show and with so many Chinese brands coming into the market, it has to set itself apart. Dantes also has a sizeable following on social media—3.9million followers on Instagram and 3.8 million followers on Facebook. 

Studies have shown that as much as 75 percent of the consumers make buying decisions based on social media posts and as high as 92 percent of consumers will trust a person they follow on social media more than a brand that merely advertises on their page.

Photo by GAC.

The GAC Emzoom is being offered at the following introductory prices:

• 1.5L GS DCT for P998,000
• 1.5L GB DCT for P1.098 million
• 1.5L GL DCT for PHP 1.198 million 

For more information via the GAC website.