Latest news with #GAC
The Independent
an hour ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Get ready to hear a lot more about Aion EVs in the UK
Chinese automotive powerhouse Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) is set to enter the fiercely-competitive UK electric car market, announcing a joint venture with distributor Jameel Motors. The team-up will see the launch of GAC's dedicated EV sub-brand, Aion, with the first models expected to reach UK customers in early 2026. The move marks the latest in a wave of new EV brands from China targeting British consumers. GAC joins an increasingly crowded EV market, competing against established European and Asian manufacturers as well as fellow Chinese newcomers like BYD and Omoda. The launch will focus on two all-electric models: the Aion V, an SUV poised to challenge the Kia EV3 and BYD Atto 2, and the Aion UT, a hatchback to rival the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Peugeot e-208 and MG4. Additional models from the Aion line-up are also expected to come to the UK. GAC is one of China's biggest automakers, though it's unlikely you'll have spotted any of its cars on UK roads. The UK saw a 25.8 per cent year-on-year increase in EV registrations as of May 2025, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, highlighting the significant long-term potential GAC aims to tap into. Wayne Wei, president of GAC International says 'GAC's entry into the UK marks a crucial step in its internationalisation strategy. As we set foot in this dynamic market, GAC is committed to bringing industry-leading products and first-class services to UK consumers.' By partnering with an experienced distributor in Jameel, GAC looks to take advantage of the network's logistics, retail, and after-sales support, accelerating their path to market and mitigating the significant investment required to build a network independently. Jasmmine Wong, chief executive officer of Jameel Motors, says 'the joint venture with GAC represents a shared vision, and an exciting opportunity to meet the UK's growing demand for smarter, cleaner passenger vehicles. Led by customer preference and guided by our expertise, we're committed to staying ahead of trends and delivering first-class solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.' GAC arrives in the UK with formidable credentials. The company sold over 100,000 of its self-branded vehicles overseas in 2024. Its Aion brand is central to its electric ambitions, showcasing the company's focus on innovative tech.
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Arab News
Jameel Motors to launch GAC electric vehicles in UK
Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, has signed a joint venture agreement with Chinese automaker GAC to distribute the latter's electric vehicles in the UK. In April, Jameel Motors announced it had won a distribution agreement for GAC in Poland through a competitive process involving both local and international companies. This innovative joint venture will be one of the first of its kind in the UK with a Chinese automaker, a market with significant long-term potential and will be established after completion of relevant regulatory and antitrust approvals. With battery electric vehicle registrations up 25.8 percent year-on-year and accounting for 21.8 percent of new car sales, the UK is a strong and expanding hub for EV adoption. The agreement expands Jameel Motors' existing portfolio in the UK — where it already distributes the electric commercial vehicle brand Farizon Auto — and will be its first passenger vehicle brand in the market. The partnership will bring new EVs to the UK, driving market growth and offering customers a broader range of choices. Initially, two all-electric models from GAC AION will be available: the AION V, a C-segment SUV, and the AION UT, a B-segment hatchback. AION showcases GAC's core strengths of award-winning quality and pioneering technology — ideally suited to meet the rising demand for quality electric vehicles among UK drivers. They will be available through select retail partners across the UK, with first customer deliveries expected at the end of Q1 2026. Additional models will follow to expand the AION lineup. Jasmmine Wong, chief executive — Jameel Motors, said: 'The joint venture with GAC represents a shared vision, and an exciting opportunity to meet the UK's growing demand for smarter, cleaner passenger vehicles. Led by customer preference and guided by our expertise, we're committed to staying ahead of trends and delivering first-class solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.' Wayne Wei, president — GAC International, added: 'GAC's entry into the UK marks a crucial step in its internationalization strategy. As we set foot in this dynamic market, GAC is committed to bringing industry-leading products and first-class services to UK consumers.' GAC is one of China's major car manufacturers, ranking No. 181 in the Fortune Global 500 and having gained international recognition for its high-quality vehicles, advanced technological solutions, and commitment to sustainability. GAC's business spans seven major sectors: R&D, complete vehicles, auto parts, energy and ecosystem, international operations, trade and mobility, as well as investment and finance. As of today, GAC has a market presence across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and America, in a total of 84 countries and regions worldwide. Driven by a strong commitment to innovation, GAC has reached major milestones in its international expansion, with overseas sales of its self-branded vehicles surpassing 100,000 units for the first time in 2024, a 92.3 percent year-on-year increase. Jameel Motors represents some of the world's most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands and has operations in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. This agreement marks another milestone as Jameel Motors continues to expand internationally and harness innovation for the future of mobility.
Auto Car
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Chinese car firm GAC confirms UK launch!
State-owned car maker – a partner of Honda and Toyota – plans to undercut established EVs here Open gallery The GAC Aion UT is billed by its maker as "China's version of the Mini" Aion UT is slightly longer and wider than the Volkswagen ID 3 The hatchback was designed at GAC's European base in Milan, Italy Aion UT will arrive alongside Aion V crossover Close GAC, one of China's biggest car makers, will launch in the UK early next year with an electric hatchback and SUV aimed squarely at Volkswagen's ID 3 and ID 4. The firm's announcement confirms Autocar's exclusive report that it was planning an imminent launch here, with the firm viewing the UK as an especially bountiful growth market for EVs. As previously reported, the joint-venture partner of Honda and Toyota – which sold just over two million cars last year – plans to undercut established brands on price to attract buyers. The smaller of its first two models is the Aion UT hatchback, billed as 'China's version of the Mini'. Designed to suit city commuters, it's slightly longer and wider than the ID 3 – a decision informed by Chinese buyers' expectations of interior space. It is priced from the equivalent of just £7500 in its homeland but is expected to cost significantly more in the UK, due to the cost of shipping the car across the globe, plus taxes. But, according to GAC COO Thomas Schemera (who was previously a leading figure at Hyundai's N performance division and at BMW before that), the Aion UT must come in at a competitive price to generate any traction in a difficult market. 'From a price positioning point of view, to be higher than other competitors which have a well-established brand, that would be very challenging,' he said. 'Let me put it this way: we have to be smart and clever here to put our morals on the streets and also to simultaneously build the brand, not just with the product presence but supported by campaigns. "As long as our brand value is on such a low level, we have to do everything to increase it. 'With this mechanism, you can also increase the price step by step for your products. But first of all, you have to build confidence.' To that end, the Aion UT is expected to land in the UK in the mid-to-high £20,000s. This would have it significantly undercutting the ID 3 (£30,795), aligning it more closely with the MG 4 EV and upper versions of the Renault 5. UK specifications have yet to be confirmed, but in China, it employs a front-mounted 134bhp electric motor and a 60kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, yielding a range of 267 miles. Inside, the dashboard is dominated by a 14.6in infotainment touchscreen, which is used to operate key functions such as the climate controls. There is also an 8.8in digital instrument panel showing critical information such as the car's speed and range. In keeping with a Chinese trend, the front seats can be folded flat to form a bed-like arrangement with the rear seats. The hard plastics throughout the interior are moulded to lift perceived quality. For example, the windowsills give the impression of stitched leather, while the backing of the doorcards has a geometric finish, as if to mimic carbonfibre. Arriving alongside the Aion UT is the Aion V, a Tesla Model Y and Skoda Enyaq-rivalling electric SUV revealed at last year's Paris motor show. It gets a 224bhp motor and a 90kWh LFP battery, giving a range of 324 miles. In addition to EVs, GAC intends to launch a range of hybrids , plug-in hybrids and 'in some cases' pure-ICE cars. The cars will be sold in the UK through a joint-venture with Jameel Motors, currently responsible for retailing Farizon electric vans and soon to add Geely-branded cars to its portfolio. Q&A: Thomas Schemera, chief operating officer, GAC Motor What sets GAC apart from its rivals? 'First and foremost, our premium quality. This is nothing outstanding, because every customer expects premium quality, but we have run joint ventures with Toyota and Honda and we learned the ropes from the beginning. If you take a walk through our facilities – especially for Aion [models] – and have a look at our production, we really know how lean production works. Quality is not just a word; we take it very seriously from a customer perspective.' What are your expectations for GAC's European launch? 'If you enter a marketplace and your brand awareness is low, you have to build brand awareness. The second step is to interact with customers – walking through this valley of tears, so to speak. You have to invest and you have to be absolutely aware that you cannot make money from the very beginning: this is impossible.' Why headquarter your design operations in Milan specifically? 'I'm a big fan of globalisation. It's very, very important from a Chinese perspective to understand globalisation, to want to know what our consumer benefits from across the world, and we have a lot of diversity. Not everything that works in China can be shifted across to another market, and that has to be very clearly understood - and vice versa.' As well as fleshing out plans for global expansion, GAC has shared its vision of a personal luxury car inspired by the legendary Bugatti Type 57SC, Concorde and Chanel handbags. The Chanel inspiration manifests in the Hyperluxury concept's livery: a black exterior largely free of branding (limited to the shrouds on the wing-mounted pop-up headlights) is contrasted against a bright orange interior, with a huge GAC logo embossed into the dashboard. The seats are inspired by the minimalist look of the famed Le Corbusier LC4 lounge chair, first produced in 1928, and contain zero heating or cooling elements. The driver is instead supposed to wear a large jacket containing these functions – a reference to the bold outfits worn by motorists in open-top cars throughout the '20s and '30s. Instead of a traditional key, the car is opened and started using a gold ring that the driver can wear as a piece of jewellery. GAC executives added that the concept was designed without the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Stephane Janin, design director for GAC's Milan studio, explained: 'We thought it should be human-made, because we compare it with luxury goods, and we thought that's a value we should work on for this very specific project. It was interesting for us to ask ourselves: 'what does hyperluxury mean nowadays?'' GAC doesn't plan to produce the car, however. Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you'll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here. Next Prev In partnership with
Reuters
a day ago
- Automotive
- Reuters
China's GAC to launch UK car sales with two Aion brand EVs
LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) - Jameel Motors has signed a deal to distribute Guangzhou Automobile Group's (GAC) ( opens new tab vehicles in Britain, the two companies said on Wednesday, making GAC the fourth Chinese automaker to launch a new brand in Europe's second-largest car market this month. GAC's UK sales will start with two Aion brand electric models - the Aion V SUV, and the Aion UT hatchback, with deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2026. "GAC's entry into the UK marks a crucial step in its internationalization strategy," Wayne Wei, president of GAC International said in a statement. When asked if GAC could bring its Trumpchi, Hycan or Hyptec brands to Britain as well as Jameel, owned by the Saudi Jameel family, it said it was focused on the Aion brand for now. GAC has already announced plans to sell in Portugal and Poland and in May it launched in Brazil. Britain is Europe's second-largest EV market after Germany. One in four cars sold in Britain in June was electric and unlike the European Union, Britain has not imposed tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Several Chinese automakers have already launched sales in Britain, including China's No. 1 seller BYD ( opens new tab. The British government this week said it would spend 650 million pounds ($871 million) on EV subsidies of up to 3,750 pounds for cars costing 37,000 pounds or less, which could attract more brands. Earlier this month, Geely ( launched its Geely brand in Britain with its electric EX5 SUV. Changan ( opens new tab will soon launch its electric Deepal S07 SUV and Chery ( which already sells Omoda and Jaecoo brand cars in Britain, has said its Chery brand cars will start selling in the coming weeks. GAC's global sales fell 20% in 2024 to 2 million vehicles, driven largely by declines in China at its joint ventures with Honda and Toyota, while its sales outside China rose 67% to 127,000 vehicles. ($1 = 0.7467 pounds)
Zawya
a day ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Jameel Motors and GAC to launch new range of EVs in the UK
Launch will include AION V SUV and AION UT hatchback EVs, with other models to follow Cooperation expands Jameel Motors' UK distribution portfolio to passenger vehicles, and marks a new market entry for GAC Jameel Motors is building on 80 years of automotive excellence as a distributor and mobility solutions provider, while GAC is one of China's major automakers London, United Kingdom: Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, has signed a joint venture agreement with GAC, one of China's major automakers that is globally recognized for safety, quality, innovation, and sustainability, to distribute GAC's electric vehicles (EVs) in the United Kingdom (UK). In April, Jameel Motors announced it had won a distribution agreement for GAC in Poland through a competitive process involving both local and international companies. This innovative joint venture will be one of the first of its kind in the UK with a Chinese automaker, a market with significant long-term potential and will be established after completion of relevant regulatory and antitrust approvals. With battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations up 25.8% year-on-year and accounting for 21.8% of new car sales (SMMT, May 2025 [1]), the UK is a strong and expanding hub for EV adoption. The agreement expands Jameel Motors' existing portfolio in the UK – where it already distributes the electric commercial vehicle brand Farizon Auto – and will be its first passenger vehicle brand in the market. The partnership will bring new electric vehicles to the UK, driving market growth and offer customers a broader range of choices. Initially, two all-electric models from GAC AION will be available: the AION V, a C-segment SUV, and the AION UT, a B-segment hatchback. AION showcases GAC's core strengths of award-winning quality and pioneering technology - ideally suited to meet the rising demand for quality electric vehicles among UK drivers. They will be available through select retail partners across the UK, with first customer deliveries expected at the end of Q1 2026. Additional models will follow to expand the AION line-up. Jasmmine Wong, Chief Executive Officer - Jameel Motors stated: 'The joint venture with GAC represents a shared vision, and an exciting opportunity to meet the UK's growing demand for smarter, cleaner passenger vehicles. Led by customer preference and guided by our expertise, we're committed to staying ahead of trends and delivering first-class solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.' Wayne Wei, President - GAC International, added: 'GAC's entry into the UK marks a crucial step in its internationalization strategy. As we set foot in this dynamic market, GAC is committed to bringing industry-leading products and first-class services to UK consumers.' GAC is one of China's major car manufacturers, ranking as number 181 in the Fortune Global 500 and having gained international recognition for its high-quality vehicles, advanced technological solutions, and commitment to sustainability. GAC's business spans seven major sectors: R&D, complete vehicles, auto parts, energy and ecosystem, international operations, trade and mobility, as well as investment and finance. It is one of the most comprehensive automotive groups in China in terms of its industrial chain. As of today, GAC has a market presence across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and America, in a total of 84 countries and regions worldwide. Driven by a strong commitment to innovation, GAC has reached major milestones in its international expansion, with overseas sales of its self-branded vehicles surpassing 100,000 units for the first time in 2024, a 92.3% year-on-year increase. Jameel Motors represents some of the world's most recognised commercial and passenger vehicle brands and has operations in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. This agreement marks another milestone as Jameel Motors continues to expand internationally and harness innovation for the future of mobility. For more information, please visit and About Jameel Motors Jameel Motors is a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands. It has international operations in over 10 countries, including the UK, UAE, Türkiye, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Japan, China, Australia, Monaco, South Africa, Poland and Italy. Jameel Motors represents some of the world's most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands, including Toyota, Lexus, BYD, GAC Motor, MG Motor, Farizon Auto, Geely Auto, Changan Automobile and Hino. Jameel Motors' deep market knowledge as an independent international distributor enables its OEM partners to grow closer to their customers, driving both market share and sustainable growth with high customer satisfaction and loyalty. About GAC Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC) is a leading Chinese automotive corporation that has been gaining recognition in international markets for years. Founded in 1997, the company is experiencing dynamic growth, investing in innovative technologies, sustainable development, and modern design. GAC specializes in the production of a wide range of vehicles, from internal combustion and hybrid cars to cutting-edge electric models, catering to the growing demands of the global market. The brand's portfolio includes both luxury sedans and spacious SUVs, showcasing advanced technology and high-quality craftsmanship. Through its sub-brands Aion, GAC continues to set new standards in the electric vehicle segment, combining innovation with exceptional design. For more information, please visit: Copyright Notice & Disclaimer © All rights reserved. The Jameel Motors name and the Jameel Motors logotype and pentagon-shaped graphics are trademarks or registered trademarks. The term 'Jameel Motors' refers broadly to several distinct, separate, and independent legal entities. Jameel Motors is not a 'group undertaking' as defined in Section 1161(5) of the UK Companies Act 2006, or a 'conglomerate' as defined in Section 7, US Clayton Act 1964. Data: The information presented in this document is intended for general informational purposes only. Any numerical data provided is accurate as of June 2025 but may not be updated in real-time and becomes outdated over time. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, Jameel Motors make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the content contained herein. Any references made to the content of this document are for demonstration and discussion purposes, and do not imply any legal ownership or affiliation unless explicitly stated otherwise. Any actual transactions or agreements concerning the content of this presentation would require separate legal documentation and due diligence. Reliance on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Jameel Motors disclaims any liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this numerical data and the information contained within this presentation. Forward Looking Statements This presentation may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements regarding matters other than historical fact, such as future results, events, activities, developments or circumstances or the beliefs, plans or expectations of Jameel Motors entities or their respective managements. Forward-looking statements often can be identified by the use of words such as 'expect', 'project', 'anticipate', 'plan', 'estimate', 'believe', 'predict', 'intend', 'potential', 'possible', 'probable', 'likely', 'forecast', 'guidance', 'outlook', 'goal', 'target', 'may', 'will', 'should' or 'could' or other similar terms or phrases. However, the absence of such words does not mean that a particular statement is not forward looking. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions at the time of such statements and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of Jamel Motors entities. Should any of such expectations or assumptions prove incorrect, or should any of such risks or uncertainties materialize, actual future results, events, activities, developments or circumstances may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and Jameel Motors does not assume, and hereby disclaim, any obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements made by Jameel Motors or by any person on behalf of it, whether communicated in writing, electronically or orally, are qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of applicable laws, or an exemption therefrom. [1] As of May 2025 ('New car market returns to growth as discounting lifts EV registrations', SMMT)
