Chinese EV maker Aion launches UK sales with Aion V priced from £36,450

Aion, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, opened its first UK retail partners on June 1 and began taking orders for its Aion V model. The Guangzhou-based manufacturer set the starting price at £36,450, with PCP finance offers from £379 per month over 18 to 48 months. The Aion V offers a 317-mile battery range and charges from 30 to 80 percent in 18 minutes.

A super-efficient heat pump maintains optimal battery temperature, and the vehicle received special calibration and suspension tuning for British roads. Jon Wakefield, managing director of Aion Auto UK, hosted the launch at the brand's headquarters outside London. Jack Chen, Vice President of GAC Group and Chairman of GAC International, and Jasmmine Wong, CEO of Jameel Motors, attended the event.

Jon Wakefield, managing director of Aion Auto UK, said the launch followed months of preparation by Aion's Chinese parent GAC and its local partner Jameel Motors. Wakefield added that GAC supplies engineering and production expertise while Jameel Motors brings experience 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," he said. The Aion V is covered by the Great Eight scheme, which provides eight years of warranty, servicing, roadside assistance and MOT support.

Aion partnered with the AA for access to accredited workshops and more than 100 Mobile Mechanics, and with DHL for next-day parts delivery from a Bury St Edmunds hub.

Order books are now open. Aion plans to expand its retailer network over the coming months and years and to introduce eight electrified vehicles by the end of the decade. Aion, the electrified brand within the GAC Group, sold more than 300,000 cars in China last year after launching in 2017.

GAC aims for one million overseas sales by 2030 under its internationalisation strategy. Aion becomes the latest Chinese brand to enter the UK market after BYD, Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo. Chery International will launch its fourth UK brand, Lepas, later this year with the Lepas L8.