GAC International CTO Masato Katsumata on software-defined cars and export surge

Masato Katsumata, Chief Technology Officer of GAC International, explains that modern vehicles are increasingly defined by software, connectivity and over‑the‑air updates. About half of the development work on a new model now concerns digital services, artificial intelligence and OTA upgrades, turning the car into a continuously evolving platform even after delivery.

GAC reports that Chinese automobile exports grew 50.6% year‑on‑year in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting the rapid pace of Chinese manufacturers that were built from the ground up for electric and software‑centric architectures. The company is extending this approach to Europe through its AION brand, with market entry already underway in Greece, highlighting a shift from purely mechanical quality to a broader digital experience.