GAC’s Electric Sub-Brand Aion Now In PH: What You Need To Know

Aion, a global leader in electric vehicles (EV), officially made its debut in the Philippines a week ago with the grand opening of Aion Makati, its flagship showroom in  Makati City. With this milestone, the brand brings a commitment to cutting-edge technology,  sustainability, and luxury, poised to redefine the electric mobility experience for Filipinos.

Aion Makati

In partnership with Dangdang New Energy Auto Service (Philippines) Limited Corporation as its 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. 

Located at 2287 Chino Roces Extension Avenue, Makati City, Aion Makati is the first Aion dealership in the country and sits on a 1,420 square-meter property. The facility features a spacious showroom that can accommodate six display units, a vehicle magazine display, an electric vehicle platform, and an after-sales service area. The dealership has four electric vehicle charging stations, two of which are fast chargers. It is also the first dealership to have an indoor giant LED wall in their showroom. 

What Is Aion?

Established in July 2017, AION is the electric vehicle arm of GAC and is now the third-largest battery EV brand in the world. AION stands for AI On the Road, representing Intelligence, Emotion, and Trust. At the core of  AION’s mission is creating a “Smarter Companion” for its customers, using AI to enhance every driving experience. The brand’s DNA is defined by being Advanced, Fun, Trendy, and High-Quality, positioning Aion as a high-end intelligent EV brand. 

Today, Aion holds the title of one of the fastest car brands to surpass one million vehicles. As one of the top 3 global EV brands and the second largest in China, Aion enters the Philippine market with a bold vision: to revolutionize transportation with world-class, high-end new energy vehicles. 

Aion’s entry into the Philippines is part of a larger ASEAN expansion strategy. This initiative includes launching premium EV models tailored to meet the specific needs of Filipino drivers, while also working with local partners to build a robust and accessible charging infrastructure. Additionally, Aion is committed to investing in local talent and contributing to the Philippine economy through job creation and economic growth,  further solidifying its presence in the region.

Aion’s First Two Models

The inauguration was formally opened with a ceremony led by management executives of Aion Philippines, highlighted by the unveiling of 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 a compact crossover SUV, though, design-wise, it looks more like a chunky MPV as opposed to a rugged crossover SUV, with its rounded front end, short hood, and short overhangs. The Aion Y doesn’t feature a grille and is instead limited to a lower air intake that’s complemented by L-shaped LED headlights with LED daytime running lights.

The side profile is clean with flushed door handles that pop out when the vehicle is unlocked, and its window line rises up in the rear to create a visual connection with the rear windshield. The rear end has a full-width LED taillight design that’s complemented by a minimalist design that helps give its rear end a futuristic look.

The Aion Y Plus is designed for families who prioritize luxury and performance while boasting an impressive driving range. The minimalist interior has been designed with space efficiency in mind and is therefore given a lounge-like interior vibe. Riding on a dedicated EV platform, the Aion Y Plus gets a 63.2 kWh battery pack, it has a front-drive electric motor that produces 203 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque, and this is enough for a range of up to 490 km based on NEDC testing. Two variants are available, the Elite for P1,498,000 and Premium for P1,698,000.

For urban commuters and those looking for an energy-efficient option for long-distance travel, the Aion ES is a sedan with a more budget positioning compared to the Aion Y Plus. The simplistic yet sleek looks enable it to have an attractive price tag of just P1,398,000, and yet, you still get features like full LED exterior lighting, though the wheels are understandably simple. 

That’s likewise the case for the interior of the particular variant that’s being offered in the Philippines. The Aion ES gets two analog gauges with a small 3.5-inch multi-information display in the middle, along with an 8-inch touch screen. Leatherette is predominantly used across the interior, though it still looks very modern and sleek.

Finally, the 136 horsepower and 225 Nm that its electric motor produces drives the front wheels, while juice is supplied by a 55.2 kWh battery that’s good enough for an NEDC-tested range of 442 km.