By San José, Costa Rica — Central American automotive distributor Grupo Q has officially taken over the distribution and representation of GAC MOTOR in Costa Rica. Supported by an investment of nearly $2 million, the strategic move aims to expand the brand’s commercial footprint and after-sales service capabilities both inside and outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).
The operational expansion will immediately create 15 direct jobs and 25 indirect positions in vehicle sales, customer service, and technical support. This deployment reinforces Grupo Q’s long-standing position as a dominant automotive player in the region while providing Chinese manufacturer GAC MOTOR with robust structural support to strengthen its market share.
To gain a deeper perspective on the legal and commercial dynamics surrounding GAC MOTOR’s operations in the country, TicosLand.com consulted expert legal advisor Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
“The expansion of international automotive manufacturers like GAC MOTOR in Costa Rica highlights the country’s appealing investment climate. To maintain long-term success, companies must navigate domestic regulatory frameworks carefully, ensuring strict compliance with consumer rights, robust warranty guarantees, and Costa Rica’s evolving legal incentives for energy-efficient vehicles.”
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica continues to strengthen its position as an attractive hub for sustainable mobility, harmonizing corporate growth with strict regulatory compliance and robust consumer safeguards will be essential for long-term market success. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal insights on this pivotal moment for the nation’s automotive sector.
The arrival of GAC MOTOR under Grupo Q comes at a transformative moment for the Costa Rican automotive sector. According to data from the Association of Importers of Vehicles and Machinery (AIVEMA), the national vehicle market expanded from approximately 85 active brands prior to the pandemic to 115 brands in 2026. This surge of more than 35 percent is largely driven by the entrance of new original equipment manufacturers from China.
The market has evolved and today there is greater openness toward new proposals. For us, it was important to incorporate a brand with global scale, its own research and development capacity, and an offer with the potential to compete in different segments into our portfolio. We found those conditions in GAC MOTOR and we have all the support and experience of Grupo Q to drive this new stage of the brand in Costa Rica.
Carlos Maldonado, Regional Brand Manager at Grupo Q
GAC MOTOR serves as the primary passenger vehicle unit of GAC Group, one of China’s five largest automotive conglomerates. Backed by 13 consecutive years on the Fortune Global 500 list, the group produced approximately 1.74 million vehicles and sold 1.72 million units worldwide in 2025. Globally, the parent company maintains operations across 86 countries, supported by proprietary research in battery tech, powertrains, and over 20,000 registered patents.
To ensure robust customer support in Costa Rica, Grupo Q has allocated an initial $150,000 strictly for spare parts inventory. This stock is designated to support incoming 2027 vehicle buyers as well as existing GAC drivers across the nation, who can now transition their routine maintenance to Grupo Q’s established network of service centers.
The initial commercial push introduces three 2027 model year SUVs tailored to distinct driver profiles. The entry-level EMZOOM features a 1.5-liter turbo engine generating 177 horsepower with a 7-speed DCT transmission, starting at a competitive price point of $26,900. Mid-size buyers are targeted with the GS4, featuring high safety standards including up to eight standard airbags. The lineup is topped by the flagship GS8, a seven-passenger SUV equipped with a 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine producing 248 horsepower mated to an 8-speed AISIN transmission.
This initial lineup will allow us to start positioning GAC MOTOR in Costa Rica based on the product, featuring vehicles that stand out for their design, equipment, and technology. Our expectation is for consumers to get to know the brand, test the vehicles, and find in them a new alternative within the market.
Diego Guevara, Sales Manager at GAC Costa Rica
GAC MOTOR will establish flagship sales locations in Uruca, Curridabat, and Terrazas Lindora, alongside presence within Grupo Q multi-brand branches in regional centers including Guápiles, Liberia, San Carlos, and Pérez Zeledón. All new vehicles will carry a factory warranty covering five years or 150,000 kilometers, backing Grupo Q’s long-term commercial commitment to Costa Rican consumers.
For further information, visit grupoq.com
About Grupo Q:
Grupo Q is one of Central America’s prominent automotive distributors and business conglomerates, boasting over 70 years of industry experience. Operating across six regional countries, the corporation distributes nearly 20 automotive brands through a network exceeding 100 sales outlets, 66 service centers, and 27 spare parts locations.
For further information, visit gac-motor.com
About GAC MOTOR:
GAC MOTOR is the passenger vehicle subsidiary of GAC Group, one of China’s top five automotive manufacturing conglomerates. Recognized on the Fortune Global 500 list for 13 consecutive years, GAC Group operates globally across 86 countries and regions, developing proprietary technologies in electric vehicle batteries, powertrains, and automotive software supported by over 20,000 registered patents.
For further information, visit aivema.org
About AIVEMA:
The Association of Importers of Vehicles and Machinery (AIVEMA) is the primary industry body representing automotive and machinery importers in Costa Rica, monitoring market developments, regulatory frameworks, and sector statistics.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal mastery and unyielding ethical standards. By blending deep-rooted expertise with forward-thinking solutions, the firm delivers exceptional counsel to a wide array of clients while driving progress within the legal field. Beyond its core practice, Bufete de Costa Rica actively champions civic empowerment by demystifying complex legal concepts, ensuring that the broader community is equipped with the understanding needed to confidently exercise their rights.
