GAC’s AION brand has officially launched the AION V electric SUV in the United Kingdom, with prices starting at £36,450 on the road, as the Chinese automaker advances its international expansion strategy.
The launch is being led by AION Auto UK, a joint venture between GAC International and Jameel Motors. Sales were formally inaugurated at the company’s new headquarters in Slough, while the first retail locations are opening to customers this week.
Nationwide Aftersales Network in Place
As AION begins operations in the UK market, the company has partnered with established service providers to ensure nationwide customer support while its dealer network continues to grow.
Aftersales services will be provided through a partnership with the AA, giving customers access to a network of accredited workshops and more than 100 mobile service technicians for maintenance, servicing and repairs.
In addition, DHL will provide next-day delivery of replacement parts from AION’s parts distribution center in Bury St Edmunds, helping to support vehicle uptime and customer service.
Pricing and Ownership Package
The AION V retains the pricing announced when pre-orders opened earlier this year, with the electric SUV available from £36,450. The company is also offering personal contract purchase (PCP) financing through AION Financial Services, with monthly payments starting from £379 and a representative annual percentage rate of 2.9%.
Each vehicle includes the company’s “AION Great 8” ownership package, which bundles eight years of warranty coverage, servicing, roadside assistance and MOT protection.
Launch Marks Expansion of UK Retail Presence
The sales launch event in Slough was attended by executives from GAC International, Jameel Motors and the company’s retail and strategic partners.
Jon Wakefield, Managing Director of AION Auto UK, said the launch represents a significant milestone for the joint venture and its efforts to establish the brand in the British market.
“After many months of hard work behind the scenes, this event was a true celebration of everything our collaboration has achieved so far, marking our bold first steps as we set the new standard for car ownership in the UK,” Wakefield said.
“GAC’s incredible engineering and production expertise provides us with world-class AION cars, and Jameel supports us with extensive experience of launching brands in new markets. Backed by these two powerhouses, AION is all set for a successful launch and long-term sustainable growth in the UK market.”
UK Launch Supports Broader Overseas Growth Strategy
AION was established in 2017 as GAC Group’s electric vehicle brand and reported sales of more than 300,000 vehicles in China last year.
The launch of the AION V forms part of GAC’s wider internationalization strategy, which targets one million overseas vehicle sales annually by 2030.
The company plans to introduce a portfolio of eight electrified models in the UK market by the end of the decade, with the AION V serving as the first model in that expansion effort.