London, 12 November 2025 – A bold new name in electrified mobility has arrived in the UK. AION Auto, the high-value EV brand founded by GAC in 2017, made its UK debut today at AM Live, NEC Birmingham, revealing an ambitious strategy built on trusted retail partnerships, sustainable showroom innovation, and award-winning electric vehicles.
The brand’s first UK models – the AION V C-segment SUV and AION UT B-segment hatchback – will arrive in 2026, with first customer deliveries expected in the spring. Backed by global automotive powerhouses GAC Group and Jameel Motors, AION Auto UK is combining global engineering excellence with a distinctly British retail approach designed to redefine how manufacturers and retailers work together.
British Leadership, Global Strength
AION Auto UK is being led by Managing Director Jon Wakefield, whose experience at Volvo UK, Volvo Europe, and Harwoods has shaped a leadership team steeped in the traditions and realities of the British automotive sector.
“We’re bringing a new brand – but not a start-up – to the UK,” says Wakefield. “We’re setting out to do things differently. We’re looking for retail partners, not dealers. We’ll build relationships on trust, transparency, and shared success. That’s the foundation for sustainable growth and exceptional customer experiences.”
The AION Auto UK team aims to design a business framework that’s simple, profitable, and partnership-driven – ensuring a seamless journey from research to test drive, purchase, and aftersales. The goal is clear: long-term, sustainable business success for both AION and its retail partners.
A Modular Approach to Modern Retail
AION’s innovation extends beyond the vehicles themselves. Making its debut at AM Live, the brand unveiled a modular showroom display concept – an adaptable retail solution allowing partners to integrate AION into their existing showrooms without major refurbishment or high upfront costs.
The modular display can be installed in just a few hours, starting with space for two vehicles and scaling up as the model range expands. It provides retailers with a cost-efficient, flexible, and sustainable way to create an on-brand showroom presence that evolves with the business.
World-Class EVs with Proven Pedigree
AION’s arrival in the UK is underpinned by exceptional engineering and global resources. GAC Group invests over $6.5 billion annually in R&D, and its vehicles have earned nine consecutive first-place rankings in JD Power’s China quality surveys. The company’s close partnerships with leading global suppliers ensure every AION vehicle delivers on performance, reliability, and technology.
The brand’s first two UK models – the AION V and AION UT – will offer smart design, innovative technology, and exceptional value, with new models joining the line-up each year to build a seven-strong family of electrified vehicles by the end of the decade.
A Partnership Built for the Future
AION Auto UK represents a unique joint venture between GAC Group, one of China’s largest and most respected automakers, and Jameel Motors, a global leader in automotive distribution and mobility solutions. Together, they bring the financial strength, technical depth, and retail experience needed to establish a robust and sustainable new brand in one of the world’s most competitive car markets.
With an experienced British leadership team, innovative retail solutions, and world-class EV technology, AION Auto UK is setting the stage for a fresh, forward-thinking approach to electrified motoring – one built on partnership, trust, and a shared vision for the future.
