Wolf Theiss advises GAC Group on market entry into Austria and cooperation with Magna Steyr

Vienna, 4 December 2025 – Wolf Theiss advised Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (“GAC Group”), one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers, on its market entry into Austria and in securing production capabilities with MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH & Co KG (“Magna Steyr”) in Graz.

GAC Group is a leading global automotive manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and new energy vehicles. With advanced R&D centres, a strong focus on electric mobility and a rapidly expanding international footprint, GAC is at the forefront of China’s EV industry. Its move to Europe follows significant investments by other Chinese automotive manufacturers in the region.

With the launch of its cooperation with Magna Steyr and the establishment of its Austrian subsidiary, GAC strengthens its position in the European market for high-quality electric vehicles.

Wolf Theiss supported the entire process of setting up GAC’s Austrian presence, including corporate structuring, regulatory and tax matters, as well as coordinating cross-border aspects involving the European and Chinese entities. The team also provided comprehensive advice on the legal framework for the partnership, under which Magna Steyr will assemble GAC’s electric vehicles for the European market at its Graz production site.

“Our experience in advising Chinese strategic clients enabled us to support GAC in successfully establishing its presence in Austria.”

– Christian Mikosch, Partner

The Wolf Theiss team was led by Christian Mikosch (Partner, Corporate/M&A) and included Raphael Valenta (Counsel, Corporate/M&A), Angela Liu (Counsel, Banking & Finance), Paul Samonig (Associate, Corporate/M&A), Karin Spindler-Simader (Partner, Tax), Elisabeth Poetscher (Counsel, Real Estate) and Stefanie Orator (Counsel, Regulatory).