AION, the electric vehicle arm of GAC and now the third-largest battery EV brand in the world, officially made its Philippine debut. The grand opening of AION Makati, its flagship showroom, was held on September 16, 2024.
In partnership with Dangdang New Energy Auto Service (Philippines) Limited Corporation as its national distributor, AION is set to deliver exceptional service and support to Filipino customers through vehicles that offer intelligent design, world-class features, and unmatched performance.
AION’s flagship dealership is located at 2287 Chino Roces Extension Avenue, Makati City. AION Makati is the first AION dealership in the country, with three more openings soon: AION Bacolod, AION Cagayan de Oro, and AION Davao.
The facility sits on a 1,420-square-meter property with a six-unit display area, a vehicle magazine display, an electric vehicle platform, and an after-sales service area. The dealership also has four electric vehicle charging stations, two of which are fast chargers, for customers who need to top up.
In his opening remarks, Anton Ibarle, general manager of AION Philippines, said, “Our goal is not merely to introduce vehicles to the Philippines but to provide a smarter and more sustainable lifestyle. AION’s cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious solutions are perfectly suited to the evolving preferences of Filipino consumers who prioritize luxury, intelligence, and sustainability.”
“AION is a world-class intelligent electric vehicle company created by the GAC Group, a Fortune 500 company, and a key driver of the group’s transformation towards electrification, intelligence, connectivity, and shared mobility. It ranks among the top three global new energy vehicle manufacturers. In 2023, we achieved a total sales volume of 480,000 vehicles, reflecting a 77% year-over-year growth, and set a new world record by surpassing one million cumulative production and sales units in just 4 years and 8 months,” said Ding Zhiwei, regional sales director of GAC AION Southeast Asia.
“GAC AION is committed to technological innovation and is the first automaker globally to achieve full-stack self-research in EV and ICV technologies. We have pioneered several ‘firsts, leading, and exclusive’ core technologies, including a world-leading dedicated electric platform, a bullet-proof magazine battery that does not catch fire, the high-power-density Quark electric drive, and the Star Spirit architecture that supports L4 autonomous driving. Additionally, we have built a self-researched supply chain for batteries, electric drives, and energy, making us one of the few automakers in the world with a complete industry chain,” he added.
Initial offerings
Introduced at the opening were the AION Y PLUS and the AION ES, the brand’s first two models to be sold in the market.
The AION Y Plus is the brand’s stylish 5-seater SUV, powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 150kW maximum power and 225Nm of maximum torque. It comes equipped with a 63.2kW magazine battery (Lithium iron phosphate) and has a rated range of 490 kilometers on one full charge. The Aion Y Plus is available in two trims: Aion Y Plus Elite is priced at P1,498,000, while the Aion Y Plus Premium is priced at P1,698,000.
The AION ES, on the other hand, is a front-wheel drive sedan that promises maximum motor power 100kW and maximum torque of 225Nm. Fitted with a 55.2kW battery, it has a range of 442 kilometers. Both nameplates offer a range of driver assist and safety features. The Aion ES Sedan is priced at P1,358,000.
GAC AION
Established in 2017, the AION brand is positioned as a high-end intelligent EV brand. AION stands for AI On the Road, representing Intelligence, Emotion, and Trust. The brand’s mission is to create a “Smarter Companion” for its customers, using AI to enhance every driving experience. With its unique combination of independent research and development (R&D) and cutting-edge innovation, the brand can offer vehicles with driving ranges from 500 to 700 kilometers.