Chinese automaker GAC Aion announced on December 28, that after just 4 years and 8 months of production, its 1 millionth car, the Hyper HT all-electric medium-to-large SUV, had come off the line. According to GAC Aion, it is the world’s fastest car brand to achieve this milestone in addition to being the fastest new energy vehicle (NEV) brand.
The company was founded in 2017 and went by the moniker GAC New Energy until formally changing to GAC Aion in 2021. It currently operates two smart factories, and plans are underway to establish a third plant in Changsha. By the time the third factory opens in June 2024, GAC Aion will have reached its annual manufacturing capacity of 800,000 vehicles.
Brand | Time took to reach the 1 millionth vehicle milestone |
GAC Aion | 4 years and 8 months |
SGMW | 5 years |
Dongfeng-Nissan | 5 years and 3 months |
Lynk & Co | 6 years |
Tesla | 12 years |
BYD | 13 years |
The sales of GAC Aion have surged dramatically in recent years. Its sales nearly doubled annually from 2019 through 2022, totaling 42,003, 60,033, 120,155, and 271,156 automobiles. GAC Aion introduced Hyper, a high-end luxury sub-brand, last year. The Hyper SSR, Hyper GT, and Hyper HT are three distinct models that have been introduced thus far.
Related: The 1,224hp GAC Aion Hyper SSR Goes on Sale in China
As of the end of November this year, GAC Aion’s annual cumulative sales have reached 434,056 vehicles, achieving a year-on-year increase of 79.99%; of which 41,567 vehicles were sold in November, a year-on-year increase of 44.51%.
GAC Aion has set a target of producing and selling another 1 million vehicles by 2025 and intends to strengthen its globalization strategy to attain this goal. The automaker signed a memorandum of collaboration with Jinhui, the brand’s first dealer in Thailand, in June of this year, marking the brand’s official entry into the Thai market.
Following that, GAC Aion announced the launching of its first foreign model, the Aion Y Plus, in Thailand in September. Then, earlier this month, the company announced its debut in the Cambodian market and launched the Aion Y Plus there, marking the brand’s second overseas market after Thailand. So far within just three months, GAC Aion has exported 3,500 automobiles internationally.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com