# GAC international brand expansion efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gac-international-brand-expansion-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-08T13:34:46.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

GAC has initiated several strategic international expansions through sports and motorsport partnerships.

In September 2026, the company established a strategic partnership with the Spanish LaLiga club Villarreal CF. As the Official Automotive Partner, GAC will feature its logo on first-team match shirts for LaLiga and UEFA Champions League competitions. The collaboration aims to promote GAC’s European electric vehicle lineup, including the AION V electric SUV and the AION UT compact electric hatchback, to strengthen its presence in the European market.

Expanding its European footprint, GAC has also become the Official Automotive Partner of Chelsea FC. This global partnership involves using Aion electric vehicle models to transport players to Stamford Bridge for selected matches and includes joint digital campaigns. This follows a preliminary collaboration during Chelsea’s 2026 summer tour and supports the Aion brand’s growth in markets such as the United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Poland, and Austria.

Regarding motorsport, GAC announced its global debut by joining the TC2000 racing category in 2027. Developed in collaboration with Avantek SA in Argentina, the project will utilize the GAC GS3 Emzoom R-Style SUV, which currently serves as the championship’s safety car. This move is tied to the company’s regional expansion efforts, including planned production in Brazil.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: GAC becomes Official Automotive Partner of Chelsea FC

Chelsea FC has named GAC as its Official Automotive Partner, a global deal aimed at boosting GAC’s brand visibility through digital campaigns and the use of Aion electric vehicles by the men’s team.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gac-becomes-official-automotive-partner-of-chelsea-fc

### 2026-10-03: GAC Motor to join TC2000 racing in 2027

GAC Motor will join the TC2000 racing category in 2027 with its own team and the GS3 Emzoom R-Style SUV, marking the brand's global motorsport debut.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gac-motor-to-join-tc2000-racing-in-2027

### 2026-09-10: GAC enters strategic partnership with Villarreal CF

GAC has become the Official Automotive Partner of Villarreal CF, featuring its logo on match shirts to promote its electric vehicle lineup in Europe.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gac-enters-strategic-partnership-with-villarreal-cf

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Cite as: GAC international brand expansion efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gac-international-brand-expansion-efforts