Insights from GAC Iraq’s General Manager | Interview

As Chinese automotive brands continue expanding globally and across the Middle East, Iraq is becoming one of the markets witnessing this transformation firsthand.

In this edition of Inside the Industry, iQ Cars speaks with Wesam Al Tawil, General Manager of GAC Iraq, who oversees sales, after-sales, marketing, finance, and customer experience. In this conversation, he shares his perspective on market perception shifts, innovation speed, electrification readiness, and the long-term future of Chinese automotive brands in Iraq.

1. Market Perception Shift

iQ Cars: Chinese automotive brands have seen rapid growth globally and in the Middle East. How do you see customer perception of Chinese brands evolving in Iraq today?

Wesam Al Tawil: Customer perception has shifted significantly in recent years. Iraqi customers now increasingly recognize Chinese automotive brands as credible and competitive players rather than merely budget-focused alternatives. Noticeable improvements in build quality, design, safety features, and advanced in-car technology have played a key role in strengthening consumer confidence, while competitive pricing continues to deliver strong value for money.

As positive ownership experiences grow, word-of-mouth recommendations and real-world vehicle performance have further accelerated this transformation. Overall, the Iraqi market is clearly moving toward broader acceptance, greater trust, and long-term confidence in Chinese automotive brands.

2. Competing with Legacy Brands

iQ Cars: In markets traditionally dominated by Japanese and Korean brands, how does GAC differentiate itself to win customer trust?

Wesam Al Tawil: GAC differentiates itself through a strong commitment to quality, durability, and high safety standards. In markets traditionally dominated by Japanese and Korean brands, customers prioritize reliability and long-term value, and GAC is focused on meeting those expectations with globally competitive products, modern design, and advanced engineering.

In addition, GAC’s partnership with Toyota further strengthens its credibility in the market. This collaboration reflects adherence to high manufacturing standards and the exchange of technical expertise, giving customers added confidence in the brand’s quality, precision, and long-term reliability.

3. Technology Leadership

iQ Cars: Chinese OEMs are now known for fast innovation cycles. How does GAC leverage technology and smart features as a competitive advantage in Iraq?

Wisam Al Tawil: GAC leverages fast innovation cycles by integrating intelligent systems, advanced digital connectivity, and comprehensive driver-assistance features as standard across much of its model range.

4. Value vs Premium Positioning

iQ Cars: Many Chinese brands balance strong technology with competitive pricing. How does GAC maintain perceived quality while remaining accessible?

Wesam Al Tawil: GAC has changed the traditional equation in the automotive market. In the past, customers had to choose between premium quality or affordable pricing. Today, with GAC, they don’t have to compromise.

We deliver advanced technology, luxury level design, and high safety standards comparable to leading global brands but with a smarter pricing strategy. Our efficient production system and global supply chain allow us to reduce costs without reducing quality.

For Iraqi customers, this means they can move from a 5 seat mainstream SUV to a larger, more premium 7-seat vehicle at nearly the same budget. That is real value.

5. Speed of Innovation

iQ Cars: Chinese manufacturers are moving faster in design refresh cycles and feature updates. How does this speed benefit customers in markets like Iraq?

Wesam Al Tawil: Faster innovation cycles allow Iraqi customers to access the latest automotive technology without unnecessary delays. We respond quickly to evolving customer preferences and market feedback, ensuring our vehicles remain current and competitive throughout the ownership period.

This agility enables us to continuously enhance design, safety features, and connectivity systems, delivering products that feel modern, relevant, and future-ready.

6. Electrification Readiness

iQ Cars: China is leading global EV adoption. How do you see GAC supporting the transition toward hybrid and electric mobility in Iraq when infrastructure is still developing?

Wesam Al Tawil: GAC has extensive expertise in electric mobility through its dedicated EV brands such as GAC Aion and Hyptec. These brands showcase GAC’s advanced capabilities in battery technology, dedicated electric platforms, and intelligent vehicle systems.

In fact, several major global automotive manufacturers utilize GAC’s electric vehicle systems and platforms in their production processes, reflecting the company’s strong technological leadership and depth of experience in electrification.

For the Iraqi market, we are adopting a practical and phased approach. At this stage, we are focusing on Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid technologies as highly suitable solutions given the current infrastructure landscape. These vehicles provide electric driving capability for daily city use while maintaining a combustion engine for longer journeys, ensuring flexibility and eliminating range concerns.

As infrastructure continues to evolve, GAC is well-positioned to introduce a broader portfolio of fully electric vehicles, supported by our global experience, advanced platforms, and proven EV technologies.

7. Trust & Long-Term Ownership

iQ Cars: For many buyers, after-sales and durability are key concerns when trying a newer brand. How is GAC building long term ownership confidence in Iraq?

Wesam Al Tawil: Long term trust starts after the sale. We support our customers through comprehensive warranties, guaranteed spare parts availability, and a growing network of authorized service centers across major cities.

Transparent pricing and professional, well-trained technical teams ensure a smooth and reliable ownership experience.

As a group, we also bring extensive experience in delivering excellent customer service especially in after sales support which gives customers added confidence and peace of mind throughout their ownership journey.

Our focus is simple: strong products, strong service, and long-term relationships.

8. Role of Local Partnerships

iQ Cars: How important are strong local distributors and market partnerships in accelerating Chinese brand success in Iraq?

Wesam Al Tawil: A strong local distributor with a trusted name and extensive experience is absolutely essential. They bring market know-how, customer trust, and cultural insight, and play a crucial role in delivering an excellent ownership experience.

9. Buyer Demographics Shift

iQ Cars: Are you seeing younger or first-time new car buyers choosing Chinese brands, and what is driving this shift?

Wesam Al Tawil:

Yes, we are witnessing strong growth among younger professionals and first-time buyers, primarily aged 25–45. This segment conducts detailed research, compares specifications objectively, and prioritizes technology, safety features, and overall value rather than relying solely on traditional brand loyalty.

In addition, being part of Olayan Group — the official distributor of major global automotive brands in Iraq — provides a strong foundation of expertise in parts supply, after-sales operations, and customer service excellence. This long-standing market presence strengthens buyer confidence, as customers understand that behind the product stands an experienced organization with proven operational capability.

Today’s buyers are not only evaluating the vehicle itself, but also the strength of the distributor, service infrastructure, and long-term support system.

10. Future of Chinese Brands in Iraq

iQ Cars: Looking ahead five years, how do you see Chinese automotive brands reshaping the competitive landscape in Iraq?

Wesam Al Tawil:

Over the next five years, Chinese brands are expected to significantly expand their market share in Iraq. The rapid advancements in technology, improved build quality, and competitive pricing are reshaping customer expectations.

At the same time, Chinese manufacturers are investing heavily in strengthening after-sales infrastructure and parts supply efficiency. For example, many brands are establishing major regional parts warehouses, including facilities in Jebel Ali, to improve delivery speed and service reliability across the Middle East. This ensures stronger support for markets like Iraq.

Products and service are improving simultaneously — and that combination will define the future. Chinese brands are not only raising the technological bar, but also strengthening long-term ownership support. The future of Iraq’s automotive market will be shaped by this balance of innovation, service, and value.

11. Data, Insights & Digital Market Visibility

iQ Cars: From your perspective, how can data and insights from platforms like iQ Cars help automotive brands optimize pricing strategy, inventory planning, and customer targeting in Iraq?

Wesam Al Tawil:

Platforms like iQ Cars are extremely valuable and well-known in Iraq, with excellent engagement with customers. They give us real-time visibility into what buyers want and how the market is moving.

By tracking demand, pricing trends, and customer preferences, we can adjust our models, pricing, and marketing quickly. In Iraq’s fast-changing market, this data helps GAC stay ahead, deliver what buyers need, and ensure every decision is smart and timely.

Closing

As Iraq’s automotive landscape evolves, Chinese brands are no longer competing on price alone — but on technology, quality, and long-term ownership confidence.

We thank Mr. Wesam Al Tawil for sharing his insights with iQ Cars.

To explore GAC vehicles currently available in Iraq, visit www.iqcars.net.