AION Auto makes UK debut at AM Live with Jameel Motors-GAC Joint Venture

AION Auto UK, a new joint venture between international automotive distributor Jameel Motors and major Chinese automaker GAC Group, made its UK debut at Automotive Management Live at the NEC, Birmingham (stand P32), marking the first step in bringing the electrified AION passenger vehicle brand to the UK.

Entering the UK with a commitment to “doing things differently,” focused on new ways of working with retailers and creating a customer experience built on transparency, partnership and value.

Led by an auto-industry experienced British management team, AION Auto UK will work hand-in-hand with retailers rather than competing with them, offering collaborative commercial models and an 11innovative modular showroom display concept designed to reduce overheads and increase flexibility for partners.

Jon Wakefield, Managing Director, AION Auto, Jameel Motors UK, said:

“We’re bringing a new brand – but not a start-up – to the UK and we’re setting out to do things differently.  We’re looking for retail partners, not dealers.  We’ll establish partnerships based on strong relationships and trust.  We want to work with them to design a framework that makes for straightforward business.

“Taking this different approach won’t be easy, but retailers tell us it’s a breath of fresh air.  With deeper trust, business is simpler.  Success lies in a commitment to provide an exceptional customer journey, from research and test drive through to purchase and into aftersales.  

That gives us the strongest foundations from which to build sustainable, long-term and profitable business for us and for our retail partners.”

AION was founded by GAC in 2017 as a high-value electrified brand and has become one of China’s fastest-growing EV manufacturers.  The brand will launch in the UK in 2026 with two models, the AION V SUV and AION UT hatchback, both offering smart design, advanced technology and multi-award-winning build quality, with further models to follow in subsequent years.

The joint venture expands Jameel Motors’ UK distribution portfolio into passenger EVs and marks a new market entry for GAC Group with its AION EV brand, combining Jameel Motors’ distribution expertise with GAC’s technical resources.