- GAC Aion, which was the seventh best-selling EV brand in China last year, is primed for a European launch this year, after it displayed its electric Aion UT hatchback and Aion V SUV at Milan Design Week earlier this month.
- GAC Aion’s European expansion will kick off with the launch of these two European-designed EVs, which are both set to be priced significantly lower than their respective competitors.
- GAC Aion becomes one of several Chinese automakers entering Europe this year, such as Changan Automobile and Leapmotor.
Another Chinese EV brand to reach Europe this year
With the GAC Aion UT and GAC Aion V, the manufacturer has chosen to dive straight into two of the most competitive EV segments in the market. The Aion UT, which has been billed as the Chinese answer to the Mini Cooper E, will compete in the ever-growing electric hatchback market. A range of approximately 260 miles will be possible, while power stands at 134 horsepower. Its interior, with a large central touchscreen, screams Tesla Model 3 rather than affordable electric hatchback. While pricing hasn’t been confirmed for either, expect the Aion V to start below £30,000 / €30,000, undercutting European rivals.
The second EV arriving is the Aion V, which will compete against larger EVs such as the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4. WLTP combined range on this EV is rated at a fairly respectable 318 miles. Much like the Aion UT, expect this model to undercut rivals on price – with a price tag under £40,000 / €40,000 likely.
The wider GAC Group sold around two million cars in China last year, with over 366,000 of those being fully-electric models from its GAC Aion subbrand. With such production capabilities, GAC should be able to expand across Europe rapidly – so long as the demand is there, for a brand which is so far unheard of within the region. Even so, that hasn’t stopped previous Chinese entrants such as BYD from succeeding within Europe. With that in mind, strong marketing and a high value proposition is likely to be at the forefront of GAC Aion’s European entry.
Exact dates for the entry of the GAC Aion brand into specific European countries is yet to be confirmed.
