GAC to enter UK next year with Aion V, Aion UT EVs

GAC is set to enter the UK in the first quarter of 2026 through Jeddah-based Jameel Motors, and the first two models will be the Aion V C-segment SUV (above) and the Aion UT B-segment hatchback, both EVs.

Jameel Motors already distributes the electric commercial vehicle brand Farizon Auto in Britain, so this will be its first passenger vehicle brand in the market. The company was recently appointed as the GAC distributor for Poland, and has operations in over 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.

“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,” GAC International president Wayne Wei 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,” said Jameel Motors CEO Jasmmine Wong.

Reuters reports that 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 there last month was electric, and unlike the European Union, the UK has not imposed tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. BYD, Omoda and Jaecoo are already there, and Changan’s Deepal, Chery and Geely are coming soon.

GAC’s global sales plunged 20% in 2024 to two million vehicles, mostly due to declines in China at its Honda and Toyota joint-ventures. However, its sales outside China rose 67% to 127,000 units.

The Aion V was previewed in Malaysia in May; it’s expected to launch in the third quarter this year. It has a 204 PS/240 Nm motor that’s fed by a 75.2 kWh LFP battery to yield 602 km of NEDC range, a 7.9-second 0-100 km/h time and a 160 km/h top speed.

Meanwhile, we saw the Aion UT (above) at the recent Bangkok International Motor Show. In Thailand, the BYD Dolphin-fighter’s 136 PS/145 Nm motor is fed by either a 50 or 60 kWh LFP battery, with no range figures quoted yet.

GAC Aion V at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025