Co-owned by Honda and GAC Group (Guangqi),[3] GAC Honda operates two plants that, as of 2011[update], produces Honda-branded models and one car sold under the China-only Everus brand.[1] GAC Honda's products incorporate Japanese-made parts.[4]
Originally named Guangzhou Honda, this was changed to GAC Honda in 2009.[5] As of 2011[update], the company boasts a per year production capacity of 480,000.[6]
History
Seeking to replace the loss-making[7] of the Guangzhou Peugeot Automobile Company for a joint venture with another foreign car-maker, the government of Guangzhou established Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co Ltd with Honda, which beat out a number of rivals for the privilege,[8] in May[8] or July[1] of 1998. GAC Honda launched its first model, an American version Accord in March 1999 along with its first 4S shop.[7]
Making a product that the Chinese consumer had familiarity with through high quality imports as well as a pre-existing sales and service network for these cars may have contributed to the early success of GAC Honda.[7] A recently failed joint venture between the Guangzhou Government and Peugeot (Guangzhou Peugeot Automobile Company) also helped to prepare the ground.[citation needed]
Beginning in 2009, GAC Honda has distributed automobiles by ship—reducing secondary transport distances and transport losses while also being environmentally responsible.[9] The company also uses rail and road transport.[9]
In May 2024, Honda scales down production workforce in China.[10]
Everus (Li NianChinese: 理念), GAC Honda's first China-only brand, is targeted at consumers in inland cities like Chaozhou and Lanzhou who can't afford its Honda-branded vehicles but desire the cachet and technological underpinnings foreign-tied brands offer.[11] While it was the first China-only brand for any sino-foreign joint venture[12] other, similar marques do exist such as the Dongfeng/Nissan Venucia.
The first Everus model, the S1 subcompact, was unveiled at the 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show.[13] The S1 is based on an old model of the Honda City.[13]
Customer service award
GAC Honda ranked highest in customer satisfaction with authorized dealer after-sales service according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2009 China Customer Service Index Study.[14]