Source: GAC

At the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show, GAC Group (Guangzhou Automobile Group) unveiled its first pickup concept—the GAC PICKUP 01.

As the first product under GAC’s "135 Development Strategy" for commercial vehicles, this model marks GAC’s official entry into the pickup segment with an exterior design that is reminiscent of the Tesla CYBERTRUCK.

So without any surprise, the PICKUP 01 became one of the most talked-about debuts at the Shanghai show.

GAC’s Global Strategy

Globally, pickups remain an extremely attractive segment of the automotive market, with annual sales exceeding 6 million units—nearly 20% of total vehicle sales.

However, in China, pickup sales hover around 300,000 units annually, largely due to restrictive regulations and consumer perceptions.

Recognizing this untapped "blue ocean," GAC—leveraging its global strategy and full-industry-chain capabilities—has chosen the GAC PICKUP 01 as its entry ticket into the market.

As one of China’s leading automotive exporters, GAC has built a comprehensive ecosystem covering R&D, manufacturing, and sales. Its commercial vehicle division, GAC Hino Motors, benefits from century-old expertise inherited from Hino Motors (a Toyota Group company) while integrating China’s manufacturing efficiency.

The PICKUP 01 is not just a step toward completing GAC’s commercial vehicle lineup but also a strategic play in its global expansion.

"A pickup is not just a utility vehicle—it’s a lifestyle enabler," said Du Peiyuan, General Manager of GAC Hino’s Pickup Division.

"As consumer lifestyles evolve globally, demand has shifted from pure functionality to all-scenario versatility." The PICKUP 01 embodies this insight, merging user-centric design with GAC’s technological expertise.

Source: GAC

GAC PICKUP 01: China’s CYBERTRUCK

The PICKUP 01 ditches the boxy, rugged look of conventional pickups for a sculpted, high-tech cyber-like design similar to Tesla’s CYBERTRUCK.

At its core is the GAIA (GAC Adaptive Intelligent Architecture) platform, a body-on-frame chassis engineered for dynamic suspension tuning, adaptive powertrain response, and multi-mode 4x4 systems.

The PICKUP01 can adjust seamlessly between city roads, rocky terrain, or heavy hauling. It also features GAC’s "Starlight Safety Shield," a top-tier safety suite combining ultra-high-strength steel construction with AI-driven driver assists.

The PICKUP 01 also offers advanced autonomous driving capabilities, including smart towing assist and narrow-path navigation.

Inside, it offers SUV-like comfort with a dual-cockpit smart cabin, premium NVH (noise reduction), and luxury finishes

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Source: GAC

Targeting Global Markets: GAC’s Pickup Ambitions

While China’s pickup policies remain restrictive, GAC Hino is eyeing overseas expansion first. Initial markets include Australia, Saudi Arabia, Chile, and Mexico—regions with strong pickup demand and high receptivity to Chinese brands.

But GAC isn’t just exporting vehicles—it’s exporting standards and innovation. The PICKUP 01 was developed to meet global benchmarks, with testing already validating its performance in extreme conditions. Future plans include a full pickup lineup, catering to different segments worldwide.

Who Is GAC?

GAC Group (Guangzhou Automobile Group) is one of China’s "Big Four" state-owned automakers (alongside SAIC, FAW, and Changan).

Known for its joint ventures with Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi, GAC also produces homegrown brands like Aion (leading EV sub-brand, famous for the Aion S and Aion Y), Trumpchi (gasoline and hybrid SUVs/sedans, e.g., GS8, M8), Hycan (former EV joint venture with NIO), and GAC Motor (international models like the GN8 and GS4).

With the PICKUP 01, GAC will go face-to-face against leading American EV pickup models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV, RAM 1500 REV, Rivian R1T, and of course, the Tesla CYBERTRUCK.