The Chinese company GAC is starting its European production
- GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) is a Chinese carmaker that produces Honda models under license in the Guangzhou region, but also owns its own brands, Trumpchi and Aion, with Aion being GAC's dedicated electric vehicle brand. Last year, these two brands accounted for 629,000 vehicles produced, compared to 789,000 projected for 2024. GAC therefore needs new markets to revitalize its business. This is why the carmaker has decided to establish itself in the European market through its Aion brand, by partnering with the Austrian company Magna-Steyr. The first Aion UT and Aion V models, both battery electric, have rolled off the assembly line at the Magna-Steyr plant in Graz, Austria , the same plant that has also been producing the Chinese carmaker Xpeng G6 and G9 models in SKD (semi- knocked down) kits since last autumn. GAC thus joins BYD, Xpeng , and Chery , which already assemble cars in Europe. This local production strategy is primarily aimed at eliminating the specific customs duties imposed by Brussels on Chinese carmakers for electric vehicles.
- The two models Aion UT and Aion V are in the C segment, one of the most popular segments on the European market.
- The Aion UT is a sedan designed in Milan, Italy, and positioned as the entry-level model in the range. It offers a range of 430 km, thanks to its battery electric motors, available in 136 hp (100 kW) or 204 hp (150 kW), and its 44 kWh or 61 kWh LFP batteries. It is 4.27 m long, 1.85 m wide, and 1.58 m high. Its wheelbase reaches 2.75 m, 7 cm longer than that of a Peugeot 308 or a Citroën C4, resulting in exceptional interior space considering its exterior dimensions.
- The Aion V is a 4.61m long SUV, technically close to the Aion UT.