What is the difference between GAC and FAW?
2 Answers
GAC and FAW have the following differences: 1. Different historical backgrounds. FAW Toyota was established in 2000 as Toyota's first partner in China, while GAC Toyota was established in 2004 as Toyota's second partner in China. In terms of seniority, FAW Toyota is older than GAC Toyota, so in the minds of many people, FAW Toyota has a purer pedigree. 2. Differences in vehicle models. Most of Toyota's main models are under FAW, including the Corolla, Crown, Reiz, RAV4, Prado, and even the Coaster bus for leaders. On the other hand, GAC Toyota has models like the Levin, Camry, Highlander, Alphard, Yaris, and C-HR. 3. Differences in production quality: In 2016, GAC Toyota was the only one among Toyota's 50 global factories to receive the title of zero defects for the entire year. Additionally, the 2.0T direct-injection engine produced by GAC Toyota is sold directly abroad and is also used in the Lexus ES200, while FAW Toyota lags behind in this aspect. 4. Differences in complaint ratios: In 2017, FAW Toyota sold 693,000 vehicles, while GAC Toyota sold 440,000 vehicles, with FAW Toyota's sales being 56% higher than GAC Toyota's. However, in terms of the number of complaints, FAW Toyota had 1,017 complaints on authoritative automotive complaint websites, while GAC Toyota only had 342. Therefore, in terms of the sales-to-complaint ratio, FAW Toyota is significantly higher than GAC Toyota.
I've discussed this with friends, and the differences between GAC and FAW are quite significant. First, their histories are completely different. FAW was the first automobile factory in New China, established in 1953 in Changchun with strong state support. It even produced the first Liberation truck, symbolizing the beginning of China's industrialization. GAC, on the other hand, was founded much later in 1997 in Guangzhou, rising during the reform and opening-up era with a stronger focus on the southern market. In terms of joint venture partners, FAW mainly collaborates with Volkswagen, Toyota, and Audi, with hot-selling models like the Tiguan and Corolla. GAC partners with Honda, Toyota (both have joint ventures with GAC), and Jeep, offering models like the Accord and Odyssey that are more family-oriented. Their own brands are quite distinct: FAW develops Hongqi and Besturn, which are more high-end and stately, somewhat like national pride; GAC promotes Trumpchi, which is trendier and quicker to adopt new energy technologies. Overall, FAW feels more established and steady, while GAC is more flexible and modern. When driving their joint venture cars, you'll notice design and service differences reflecting the north-south divide—cars in the north need stronger heating for winter, which GAC models might not emphasize as much. My advice is to consider your needs when buying a car: choose FAW for commercial use or patriotic sentiment, and GAC for family comfort.
