GAC Aion Launches First European Assembly of Aion UT Electric Hatchback in Austria Before Official Debut

Chinese EV maker GAC Aion has begun assembling its Aion UT electric hatchback at a plant in Graz, Austria, marking its inaugural production in Europe. This strategic step precedes the EU's upcoming tariffs on Chinese EVs, set to take effect in October 2024, with rates varying from 7.8% for Tesla models to 35.3% for SAIC vehicles. The production is a collaboration with Magna, using the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, which has a history of building vehicles for brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Jaguar, and Fisker. Currently, XPeng produces small batches of its G6 and G9 SUVs there and tests the P7+ sedan for 36 international markets. The Aion UT has a WLTP range of up to 430 km, simulating real-world conditions, and supports rapid DC charging from 30% to 80% in just 24 minutes. In the European market, it will rival the BYD Dolphin Surf, available for nearly a year, and Nio's Firefly series. Pricing details for the Aion UT in Europe are slated for announcement in mid-April. Originally unveiled in China last year, the Aion UT is priced from 69,800 yuan to 101,800 yuan, positioning it above the BYD Seagull (starting at 63,800 yuan) but below Nio's Firefly (119,800 to 137,800 yuan). In Europe, the BYD Dolphin Surf ranges from €20,000 to €25,000 depending on region and taxes, while Nio's Firefly begins at €29,900 to €32,500. GAC Aion made its European entry last year through launches in Finland, Poland, and Portugal, where its V model secured a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.