AION Auto UK has officially marked the start of its UK journey with a special celebration event held at its new flagship headquarters in Slough, bringing together senior executives from its joint venture partners, retailer representatives, and strategic collaborators ahead of the brand's retail launch on 1 June.
The event welcomed key figures from GAC International and Jameel Motors, the two organisations behind AION Auto UK. Among the distinguished guests were Jack Chen, Vice President of GAC Group and Chairman of GAC International, and Jasmmine Wong, CEO of Jameel Motors, highlighting the importance of the UK market in the brand's global expansion strategy.
AION forms part of the wider GAC Group and has rapidly established itself as one of China's leading electric vehicle manufacturers. Since its creation in 2017, the brand has experienced significant growth, selling more than 300,000 vehicles in China during the previous year. The UK launch represents a major milestone in GAC's international ambitions, which include a target of reaching one million overseas vehicle sales by 2030.
AION Auto UK has been established as a joint venture between GAC International and Jameel Motors, combining advanced vehicle engineering with extensive experience in introducing automotive brands to new markets. The partnership aims to create a strong foundation for long-term growth in the competitive UK automotive sector.
Speaking at the event, Jon Wakefield, Managing Director of AION Auto UK, reflected on the significance of the occasion.
"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 also highlighted the strengths of the joint venture's partners, noting that GAC's engineering and manufacturing expertise provides the business with world-class products, while Jameel Motors contributes valuable experience in successfully launching brands in new international markets.
Leading the brand's arrival in Britain is the new AION V, an all-electric family SUV that is now officially on sale. The model combines distinctive styling with a spacious and premium cabin, while offering a strong balance of range, charging performance and everyday practicality.
The AION V also introduces the company's "AION Great 8" ownership package, designed to simplify long-term vehicle ownership. The programme includes eight years of support covering warranty protection, servicing, roadside assistance and MOT-related benefits, providing customers with additional peace of mind throughout their ownership experience.
Pricing for the AION V starts at £36,450 on-the-road, while customers can access finance solutions through AION Financial Services, including personal contract purchase agreements ranging from 18 to 48 months, with monthly payments starting from £379 and a representative APR of 2.9%.
As the brand begins trading in the UK, its first retail locations will open their doors on 1 June. While AION continues to expand its dealer network across the country, the company has already established partnerships designed to provide nationwide customer support from day one.
A collaboration with the AA will give owners access to a broad network of accredited workshops and more than 100 mobile service technicians capable of carrying out servicing, maintenance and repair work throughout the UK. In addition, a partnership with DHL will support parts distribution, providing next-day delivery from AION's dedicated parts hub in Bury St Edmunds.
With a target of introducing eight electrified models by 2030, AION's UK launch signals the beginning of a long-term commitment to the British market. Supported by two major international automotive organisations and backed by a growing customer support network, the brand is positioning itself to become a significant new player in the UK's rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector.
