AION Auto UK expands into Northern Ireland with Shelbourne Motors partnership

AION Auto UK, a joint venture between international automotive distributor Jameel Motors and Chinese automaker GAC International, has announced the appointment of Shelbourne Motors as its exclusive retail partner in Northern Ireland, marking another milestone in the brand’s UK expansion.

The partnership will see three retail locations open in early 2027 across Belfast, Newry and Portadown.  

The Belfast site will represent Shelbourne Motors’ first new-car franchise in the city, reinforcing its commitment to establishing AION’s presence across Northern Ireland.

Founded in 1973, Shelbourne Motors is a family-owned automotive retailer with more than 50 years of experience in the Northern Irish market, selling over 6,000 new and used vehicles annually.  Its established local expertise and customer relationships will support AION’s long-term growth in the region.

Customers in Northern Ireland will initially have access to the fully electric AION V family SUV and AION UT hatchback. The lineup will expand later in 2027 with the introduction of the UT Cross and GS7 SUV, bringing additional electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options to the market.

All AION models are supported by the brand’s Great 8 Promise, which includes an eight-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty, eight years of servicing and roadside assistance, and MOTs until the vehicle reaches eight years of age.

Duncan Johnston, Network Development Director, AION Auto UK, said: “Choosing our exclusive retail partner in Northern Ireland is an important step in AION’s UK expansion. We wanted a business with the reputation, experience and ambition to establish the brand here for the long term. Shelbourne Motors brings all three.”

The partnership further strengthens AION Auto UK’s growing retail network, with additional appointments expected before the end of 2026 as the brand progresses towards its target of at least 100 retailers by 2030. Supported by Jameel Motors’ international automotive distribution expertise, the expansion reflects a continued commitment to building an accessible, customer-focused and sustainable presence across the UK.