GAC: door handles of localized cars are adapted to the Russian market

China’s Ministry of Industry recently announced that cars made in China will no longer use hidden door handles. GAC Group design director Ka Dan told Motor magazine whether this rule would apply to Chinese cars produced for the Russian market.

“In foreign markets, we adhere to the principle of localization. Our teams study local regulations, climate conditions and user preferences. For Russia and Europe, solutions for elements such as door handles will be adapted taking into account local requirements and customer expectations,” he told Motor magazine.

The interlocutor also noted that over the past five years, hidden door handles have become a common solution in the global automotive industry and the Chinese one in particular. This was driven by a desire for minimalist aesthetics and reduced aerodynamic drag. GAC models, like cars from many global brands, also used this design, Mr. Dan said.

GAC GS4
GAC

Since the second half of 2025, changes in the design of door handles in the Chinese domestic market have been dictated by safety requirements and regulatory standards. Therefore, the design of the handles is adjusted in accordance with the new standards. We are talking about either moving to handles with the possibility of mechanical opening, or returning to traditional external solutions, the GAC representative concluded.

Motor previously wrote how they would punish for illegal car tuning in 2026.