GAC sold in Russia will be produced in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, the Allur plant in Kostanay will assemble four GAC models already sold in Russia: the GS4 crossover, the M8 minivan, the large GS8 SUV and the S7 hybrid crossover, which could affect the prices and logistics of Chinese passenger cars.
Which GAC models are going to be localized in Kostanay
According to the local register of Vehicle Type Approvals (VTA), the model range of the Allur assembly plant in Kostanay will be replenished with four GAC models, all of which are already present on the Russian market.
We are talking about:
- GAC GS4 - a C-class crossover, familiar to Russian buyers as a relatively compact city SUV.
- GAC M8 - a large business minivan with a three-row interior and a premium level of comfort.
- GAC GS8 - a large all-terrain vehicle with a body frame and several design options.
- GAC S7 - a new premium hybrid crossover, whose sales in Russia started in March 2026.
Thus, the Kazakh Allur line immediately takes on not the “budget” part of the range, but key models of the middle and upper segment, which are also relevant for the Russian Federation.
GS4, M8 and GS8: crossover, minivan and flagship SUV familiar to Russia
According to OTTS, in Kostanay they will start assembling the GS4 crossover and M8 minivan, which are well known in Russia, which already have local specifications for the EAEU market.
The large GAC GS8 is of particular interest:
- Versions with a classic 2.0-liter turbo engine of 231 hp and a non-rechargeable hybrid unit, where a 190-horsepower 2.0 petrol engine works with a CVT and an electric motor, are certified for Kazakhstan.
- For the crossover, three body length options are announced, including Traveller versions with more massive bumpers - the same versions are available in Russia, which simplifies the unification of supplies.
According to Kazakh sources, the GS8 in GT configuration in the local market costs about 22 million tenge (≈3.75 million rubles), while in Russia a similar version is estimated at approximately 4,949,000 rubles, that is, noticeably more expensive. This shows how localization and tax regime can affect the final price tag.
Hybrid S7: already on sale in the Russian Federation, price list for Kazakhstan is awaiting
The fourth model for Kostanay is the hybrid GAC S7, sales of which in Russia started in early March 2026.
For the Russian Federation:
- The S7 is equipped with a sequential hybrid system based on a 1.5-liter turbo engine and electric motors, total output - 340 hp, drive - all-wheel drive.
- In Russia, the crossover is offered in two trim levels: ST (from 5,699,000 rubles without special offers) and SX Premium (from 6,049,000 rubles).
The price of the S7 for the Kazakhstan market has not yet been announced, but using the example of GS8, analysts do not rule out that a localized hybrid will be cheaper there than in the Russian Federation, which may also affect supply patterns to neighboring EAEU countries.
Why is GAC localizing assembly in Kazakhstan
The publication Kolesa.kz and specialized sites note that localization is designed to increase the attractiveness of GAC for local buyers, since the brand is currently not one of the leaders in the Kazakh market.
By the end of 2025, only about 728 GAC cars were sold in Kazakhstan, which is noticeably lower than the figures for more popular Chinese brands. Production of the GS4, M8, GS8 and S7 at the Allur plant will give the brand:
- Reduction of logistics costs and import duties.
- Opportunity to participate in state programs to support localized models.
- The image of a “made in the country” product, which is important for some buyers and corporate clients.
For Russia, this is indirectly important because Kazakhstan is part of the EAEU, which means that localized GAC machines can theoretically be used as another supply channel, along with direct imports from China.
Connection with the Russian market: current models and the upcoming flagship S9
All four models, which will be assembled in Kostanay, are already sold in Russia, and the brand is actively increasing its presence:
-GS4 and GS8 have taken their places in the segment of crossover and SUV families.
-M8 competes with Japanese and Korean business class minivans.
-S7became GAC's first hybrid SUV on the Russian market.
The next new product for the Russian Federation may be the largest hybrid all-terrain vehicle GAC S9, which shares a platform with the S7 and is positioned as the brand’s flagship. In early April, GAClaunched the S9 certification process in Russia; several certificates of conformity have already been issued, and the start of sales is expected in the summer of 2026.
Against this background, the launch of GAC assembly in Kazakhstan is perceived as part of a unified regional strategy: the brand is strengthening its position simultaneously in the Russian and Kazakh markets, developing a line of Chinese passenger cars in the middle and premium segments based on local assembly and hybrid technologies.
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