World’s Top 3 Electric Vehicle Brands, AION Opens Flagship Makati Dealership

A global leader in electric vehicles (EV), officially made its debut in the Philippines 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.

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

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 spacious and stylish SUV, designed for families who prioritize luxury and  performance, while boasting an impressive driving range. For urban commuters and those looking for an  energy-efficient option for long-distance travel, the AION ES is a sleek sedan that delivers both style and  efficiency. Looking ahead, AION Philippines plans to introduce additional models based on local demand,  ensuring that every Filipino driver has the opportunity to experience the future of mobility.

Mr. Anton Ibarle, general manager of AION Philippines shared, “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.” 

Ibarle further added, “We warmly invite everyone to visit our new flagship dealership in Makati to experience  the future of mobility firsthand. Explore the 2025 AION Y PLUS SUV and the AION ES sedan, the most  affordable electric passenger car sedan in the market today.” 

Mr. Ding Zhiwei, Regional Sales Director of GAC Aion Southeast Asia shared in his speech, “AION is a  world-class intelligent electric vehicle company created by the GAC Group, a Fortune 500 company, and a  key driver of the group’s transformation towards electrification, intelligence, connectivity, and shared mobility.  It ranks among the top three global new energy vehicle manufacturers. In 2023, we achieved a total sales  volume of 480,000 vehicles, reflecting a 77% year-over-year growth, and set a new world record by surpassing  one million cumulative production and sales units in just 4 years and 8 months. 

“GAC AION is committed to technological innovation and is the first automaker globally to achieve full-stack  self-research in EV and ICV technologies. We have pioneered several ‘firsts, leading, and exclusive’ core  technologies, including a world-leading dedicated electric platform, a bullet-proof magazine battery that does  not catch fire, the high-power-density Quark electric drive, and the Star Spirit architecture that supports L4  autonomous driving. Additionally, we have built a self-researched supply chain for batteries, electric drives,  and energy, making us one of the few automakers in the world with a complete industry chain. 

“GAC AION is accelerating its global expansion strategy and has already entered markets in nine ASEAN  countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia. In the future, we will establish  seven global production and sales bases across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. The Philippines,  as the fourth-largest automotive market in ASEAN, has a large population and immense potential. From  January to June this year, the passenger car market here achieved a 17.8% year-on-year growth despite  challenging circumstances. Additionally, the Philippine government has launched the ‘National Electric Vehicle  Development Roadmap’ to encourage and support new energy development, giving us great confidence and  anticipation for the Philippine market.

“The AION Y Plus, known for its spacious design, long range, and sleek look, reflects GAC AION’s commitment  to delivering high-end, innovative new energy vehicles. The brand aims to contribute to the local EV industry’s  development and offer Filipino consumers top-tier, sustainable transportation solutions. 

“We firmly believe that, with everyone’s joint efforts, GAC AION will achieve even greater success in the  Philippine market! Finally, once again, thank you to all the guests and media friends for your presence and  support! Let’s work together to create a bright future!” 

FIRST DAY HIGHLIGHTS: CAR DELIVERY & DEALER AWARDS 

A major attraction of today’s event was the car delivery ceremony where ten (10) new AION customers  received the keys to their electric vehicles in an exciting handover moment.

Adding to the excitement, AION Philippines also recognized its three confirmed dealer partners with an official Award Ceremony. These key partners— AION Bacolod, AION Cagayan de Oro, and AION Davao — are  poised to play a pivotal role in expanding AION’s presence across the country. 

These ceremonies signify the growing momentum behind AION’s entry into the Philippine market, with a strong  focus on building a robust network of dealerships and satisfying the high demand for premium electric vehicles.

THREE AION DEALER PARTNERS CONFIRMED 

General Manager of AION Philippines Anton Ibarle (leftmost) joined representatives of three confirmed dealer partners — AION Bacolod,  AION Cagayan de Oro, and AION Davao – in a recognition ceremony held during the inauguration of AION Makati.

INTRODUCING THE AION BRAND 

Established in July 2017, AION is the electric vehicle arm of GAC and 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. 

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 unique combination of independent research and development (R&D) and cutting-edge innovation  provides Filipino customers with several key advantages. With driving ranges from 500 km to 700 km, AION  effectively eliminates range anxiety, making long-distance travel more accessible. The growing charging network also ensures that charging is no longer a barrier to EV adoption, offering faster and smarter charging  solutions. Furthermore, AION’s focus on battery technology emphasizes safety, with LFP batteries enhancing  durability and reliability. All of this is achieved while maintaining affordability and value, as AION continues to  reduce costs without compromising on quality, ensuring residual value for customers.

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. 

JOIN THE GREEN REVOLUTION WITH AION 

Customers are invited to discover the future of driving at AION Makati, located at 2287 Chino Roces Extension  Avenue, Magallanes, Makati City. The showroom is open from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM, and on  Sundays and holidays, from 9 AM to 5 PM