The GAC brand has stopped selling the most affordable crossover GS3 in Russia

The GAC Motor brand has stopped selling the most affordable crossover GS3 in Russia. The reason is not low demand, but a strategic departure from the budget segment (up to 1.8 million rubles) in favor of larger models.

The end of the budget compact era

The Chinese brand GAC Motor has officially stopped selling its most affordable crossover, the GS3, on the Russian market. The model, which since 2021 has been positioned as the “entrance ticket” to the premium segment of the brand, is no longer supplied to dealerships. The reason for the departure was not low popularity, but a strategic redirection of the company's efforts to larger and more technologically advanced models.

Why GS3?

GS3 was the most compact and budget SUV in the GAC line: its starting price in Russia did not exceed 1.7 million rubles, which made it a competitor to Chery Tiggo 4 and Haval Jolion in basic versions. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter turbo engine (163 hp), a CVT and front-wheel drive. Despite its modest dimensions (length - 4,350 mm), the car offered high-quality finishes, a digital dashboard and a set of security systems.

However, against the background of the rapid rise in prices for logistics, components and currency fluctuations, maintaining such a low price has become economically unprofitable. In addition, purchasing activity in the segment up to 1.8 million rubles has sharply decreased: Russians are increasingly choosing cars more expensive than 2 million rubles, where the margin is higher and there are wider possibilities for equipment.

Focus on flagships and electric vehicles

GAC Motor is betting on new directions. In 2025–2026, the brand plans to launch the S7 mid-size crossover in Russia, and also consider the possibility of supplying electric models developed jointly with Huawei. These cars are positioned in the range of 2.3–4.5 million rubles - where the market demonstrates stable demand and higher perceived brand value.

“We are grateful to GS3 owners for their trust. Today our priority is to offer Russian customers more technologically advanced and spacious cars that meet new expectations,” the GAC representative said.

What does this mean for the market?

The departure of the GS3 is another signal that the budget segment of Chinese crossovers is shrinking. Manufacturers are moving away from cars up to 1.8 million rubles, concentrating on offers with higher added value. For buyers, this means a reduction in choice in the lower price range, but at the same time an increase in quality and equipment in models starting from 2 million rubles.

Thus, the end of the history of GS3 in Russia is not a failure, but a logical stage in the evolution of the brand, moving from the mass segment to a more mature and technological positioning.