Budget car brand that’s huge overseas opens its first 8 dealerships in UK

A MAJOR international car brand has opened its first retail showrooms in the UK – alongside the launch of its new all-electric SUV.

Around 15 locations have been confirmed to open by the end of the month.

GAC, one of China’s largest car makers, has opened a number of AION showrooms across the country today (June 8), marking it as a first for the brand.

Eight retail partners across Leeds, Newcastle and Swansea – among others – will now operate AION retail showrooms, as well as service and parts facilities.

The brand also said it was on track to expand its footprint to 15 sites by the end of June, with locations opening in Cardiff, Derby and Nottingham soon.

Alongside the new showrooms, the AION V electric family SUV has also been launched in the UK, with the first customer deliveries to come.

SPEEDING AHEAD

Four fastest charging EVs in UK are named – and it’s not BMW, Tesla or Audi

AI SPY

New AI cameras that look inside car cabins are launched in 12 MORE UK locations

The model starts from £36,450, and features 317 miles of range with a single charge.

Jon Wakefield, the managing director of AION Auto UK, said: “We’ve been preparing for this moment for over 18 months, and it’s a major milestone to see the first retailers go live, welcome customers and offer test drives.

“We have a great car in the AION V, and more models will join it in the showrooms soon. But for us, it’s not only about a great product, we’ve also focused on the quality of the purchase and ownership experience for customers, too.”

The brand added that every AION V will be included in the ‘Great 8’ ownership proposition, which features eight years of cover across the vehicle’s warranty, roadside assistance, servicing, and MOT.

The AION UT, named as “China’s version of the Mini”, is also expected to be launched late 2026.

GAC AION was established in 2017, and as of 2023, is the third-largest battery electric vehicle brand after Tesla and BYD Auto.