AION, GAC's electric vehicle arm, officially launches in Philippines

AION, the electric vehicle (EV) arm of GAC and now the third-largest battery EV brand globally, made its official debut in the Philippines on Sept. 16, 2024. The event marked the grand opening of AION Makati, the brand's flagship showroom, located at Chino Roces Extension. AION is represented locally by Dangdang New Energy Auto Service (Philippines) Ltd. Corp., serving as its national distributor. AION has confirmed three dealer partners: AION Bacolod, AION Cagayan de Oro, and AION Davao.AION Makati, the brand's first dealership in the Philippines, is situated at 2287 Chino Roces Extension Avenue, Makati. The 1,420-square-meter facility features a six-unit display area, a vehicle magazine display, an EV platform, and an after-sales service area. Additionally, the dealership is equipped with four electric vehicle charging stations, two of which are fast chargers for customer convenience.In his opening remarks, Anton Ibarle, general manager of AION Philippines, emphasized the brand's commitment to sustainable living. "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."Initial offeringsTwo models were unveiled at the launch event: Y PLUS and ES.The Y Plus is a stylish 5-seater SUV, powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that delivers 150 kilowatts (kW) of maximum power and 225 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It comes with a 63.2kW magazine battery (lithium iron phosphate) and offers a range of 490 kilometers on a full charge. The Y Plus is available in two trims: Y Plus Elite priced at P1.498 million; and Y Plus Premium, priced at P1.698 million.The ES is a front-wheel-drive sedan with a maximum motor power of 100kW and 225 Nm of torque. Equipped with a 55.2kW battery, it offers a range of 442 kilometers (km). Both models feature a range of driver-assist and safety features. The ES sedan is priced at P1.358 million.Established in 2017, AION is positioned as a high-end intelligent EV brand. AION stands for "AI On the Road," symbolizing intelligence, emotion, and trust. The brand's mission is to create a "smarter companion" for its customers by using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the driving experience. With its focus on independent research and development (R&D) and cutting-edge innovation, AION offers vehicles with driving ranges between 500 to 700 kilometers.