Aion

The Spark of a Vision (2017)

In the humid summer of 2017, inside the towering headquarters of GAC Group in Guangzhou, a bold decision was being made. Chairman Zeng Qinghong and a core team of veteran engineers looked at the horizon and saw what many were still reluctant to accept — the internal combustion era was fading. On July 28, 2017, backed by a 4.7 billion RMB investment, GAC New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. was born. But this wasn't going to be another carmaker slapping batteries into old chassis. From day one, the founders rejected simple "oil-to-electricity" conversions. Every vehicle would be born electric — designed from the ground up for the future.

A Name That Means Forever (2018–2019)

The brand needed a name that matched its ambition. They chose Aion — inspired by the ancient concept of eternity and infinite energy. In November 2018, the Aion S compact sedan rolled off the line. With a range of over 500 km on a single charge, it wasn't just competitive — it was a statement. By the end of 2019, 30,000 units had found their way to driveways across China. The quiet revolution had begun.

Building the Dream Factory

While rivals outsourced and assembled, Aion went a different route. In Guangzhou, they constructed an integrated "Smart Eco-Plant" — a facility that brought motors, batteries, and electronic controls under one roof. This industrial-cluster approach wasn't just efficient; it was the secret to delivering premium EV features at prices that China's growing middle class could reach.

Finding Its Own Identity (2020)

By November 2020, the brand had outgrown its parent's shadow. GAC New Energy Automobile officially rebranded to — a standalone identity for a standalone ambition. The Aion lineup expanded rapidly: the Aion V crossover, the Aion LX flagship SUV, and the Aion Y family-friendly MPV each carved out their own space in an increasingly crowded market.