Chinese EV maker GAC plans European push with Aion models

Chinese EV maker Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) is bringing its Aion lineup to Europe, in a major push that signals just how seriously Chinese automakers are targeting the continent.

At the Munich motor show, the company unveiled models like the Aion UT compact hatchback and the Aion V midsize SUV, both fully electric.

Its European strategy also includes the Aion Y crossover and the sleeker Hyptec HT coupe-SUV, with every model in the initial lineup powered by batteries.

A plug-in hybrid option is expected to follow, adding more variety for customers.

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GAC plans to sell more than 50,000 units by 2027

The company’s ambitions are clear.

GAC International president Wei Haigang told CNBC that Europe is one of five key markets for the automaker, and described the region as ‘strategic’ to its global expansion.

While current sales remain modest, the growth trajectory is aggressive.

GAC expects to sell 3,000 cars in Europe this year, ramping up to 15,000 in 2026 and surpassing 50,000 units by 2027.

That would mark a 1,700 per cent increase in just two years, even if the figure is still dwarfed by GAC’s sales at home and in other markets.

In 2024 alone, the Chinese EV maker sold 127,000 vehicles overseas and more than 2 million worldwide.

One of its more innovative Aion models is the GAC Aion Hyper SSR, an EV hypercar that is capable of doing 0-60mph in less than 2 seconds, and costs a fraction of what rivals would charge.

Chinese carmakers are gaining ground in Europe

Industry data shows why GAC is betting big on Europe.

In the first half of 2025, Chinese brands managed to collectively outsell Europe’s most famous carmaker on its own turf, which is quite a significant feat.

BYD is currently leading the way, having outsold Tesla in Europe for yet another month.

In fact, the ambitious carmaker has big plans for the future, as it plans to sell every car it builds in Europe by 2028.

The Chinese EV revolution isn’t limited to BYD either.

Smaller brands like Jaecoo and Omada are also making good progress, having recently dethroned Tesla as the biggest-selling EV maker in the UK.

For GAC, the road ahead will not be without challenges.

European consumers are famously loyal to legacy brands, while the EU is keeping a close eye on the influx of affordable EVs from China.

Nevertheless, with its diverse Aion lineup and competitive pricing, GAC is looking to be a lasting player in Europe’s fast-changing EV market.

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