London, 5 November 2025 – AION Auto UK has announced the appointment of Jon Wakefield as Managing Director, marking a significant step forward as the electrified vehicle brand prepares to launch in the UK early next year.
The formation of AION Auto UK represents a unique joint venture between GAC Group, one of China’s most established automotive manufacturers, and Jameel Motors, a leading independent international vehicle distribution specialist. This partnership brings together decades of experience in vehicle production, brand launches, and market growth, setting the stage for AION’s long-term success in the UK.
Founded in 2017 by GAC Group, AION has quickly earned a reputation for delivering high-value electrified vehicles. GAC’s heritage dates back to the 1950s, and over the past 20 years, the company has honed its operations through joint ventures with global brands such as Honda and Toyota. Combined with Jameel Motors’ expertise in introducing and nurturing automotive brands across Europe, Asia, and Africa, AION Auto UK benefits from a unique blend of innovation, operational excellence, and strategic market insight.
Wakefield brings over 30 years of automotive experience to his new role. Having held senior positions across Volvo Cars in the UK and Europe for a decade, he most recently led the Harwoods Group as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing a major restructuring to optimise the £650m retail operation.
Commenting on his appointment, Wakefield said: “It’s not often you get the opportunity to start from a clean sheet, so I’m very much relishing the challenge. We’re building a new business for a well-established Chinese brand in a new market, but our joint venture structure uniquely allows us to draw on the long-established resources and expertise of two automotive powerhouses.
“We can act with confidence and authority to pursue a strategy for long-term sustainable growth, and our entire operation can enjoy the benefits and agility of being a start-up. These include the way we collaborate with our retail partners, how we introduce our products, and how we focus on delivering an excellent customer experience.”
The UK launch of AION will be spearheaded by the AION V, a C-segment SUV designed to combine robust road presence with a welcoming, spacious interior. The all-electric AION V boasts a class-leading driving range, a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and an eight-year warranty, underscoring the brand’s commitment to quality and customer reassurance.
Following the debut of the AION V, the UK lineup will be expanded with the AION UT, a versatile B-segment hatchback, scheduled for launch later in 2026. First customer deliveries of the AION V are planned for early next year, while the trade debut will take place at AM Live at the NEC in Birmingham on 12 November.
With Wakefield at the helm and the combined expertise of GAC and Jameel Motors, AION Auto UK is poised to carve a distinct place in the UK’s growing EV market, blending modern innovation with the timeless principles of quality and sustainability.
