GAC showcased six models at the 91st Paris Motor Show, which opened on October 12 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The company made the global debut of the all-electric AION UT Cross, introduced its European brand message, “GAC. THE ENGINEERS,” and launched its global service brand, GAC CARE+, in Europe.

The announcements reflect GAC’s continued efforts to build its business in Europe, including local R&D, manufacturing, sales, after-sales service and energy solutions.

Representatives from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Fannon Group, Chelsea Football Club and the Paris Motor Show attended the launch event, along with executives from GAC Group and GAC International. Suppliers including Bosch, Michelin, Valeo and ZF, as well as European dealer partners, were also present.

GAC’s stand featured six themed areas highlighting its work in new energy technology, energy solutions and automotive engineering.

Expanding Its Business in Europe

GAC Group General Manager Ge Xianqing said Europe is a key market for the company’s global growth. Since announcing its European market plan at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, GAC has continued to expand its local operations.

GAC’s Milan Design Center combines European design ideas with global product development. A new European R&D center is scheduled to open in 2027. The company plans to build a local engineering team of more than 100 people.

The AION V and AION UT are already produced in Europe, and both models have received five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP. GAC has also opened a parts distribution center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to improve parts supply and after-sales support.

GAC’s sales network now covers 30 European countries. The company plans to focus on the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, with more than 180 sales and service outlets planned across Europe by the end of the year.

GAC is also developing a green energy system covering public charging networks, home energy systems and battery recycling. It will continue its GLASS Green Clean Plan and work to meet relevant European ESG requirements.

GAC Highlights Engineering and Product Quality

At the show, GAC introduced “GAC. THE ENGINEERS.” as its brand message for Europe, highlighting its focus on engineering and product quality.

Over its 29 years in business, GAC has invested more than RMB 67 billion in R&D. Its research team includes more than 8,500 people, and the company has filed over 25,000 patent applications.

GAC has built a global R&D network, a smart factory for new energy vehicles, and a three-in-one wind tunnel laboratory authorized for EU WLTP witness testing.

The company also draws on its cooperation with international automakers such as Toyota and Honda while continuing to develop its own technologies. Its product range covers different vehicle types and powertrains.

GAC puts every new model through demanding tests in extreme environments to check its reliability and durability.

GAC CARE+ Launches in Europe

GAC introduced its global service brand, GAC CARE+, in Europe for the first time. Built around the message “Always There, Always Care,” the program covers the customer journey from vehicle purchase to daily use and maintenance.

In partnership with Allianz Partners, GAC will offer three years of free roadside assistance across Europe.

Its Rotterdam parts center has a parts order fulfillment rate of more than 95%, with orders dispatched within an average of 36 hours. GAC’s local technical service team aims to respond to maintenance requests within 48 hours.

Warranty coverage includes eight years or 160,000 km for the vehicle and eight years or 200,000 km for the power battery. GAC also offers a 10-year, unlimited-mileage anti-corrosion warranty and a three-year, unlimited-mileage paint warranty.

The company plans to open a local-language customer call center in France before expanding the service to other European markets. It will also provide over-the-air software updates, organize owner events and offer a mobile app with remote vehicle control functions. Home charging equipment that meets European standards will also be available.

AION UT Cross Makes Its Global Debut

The AION UT Cross made its global debut at the show. The all-electric crossover is designed for everyday driving and light outdoor activities, combining the flexibility of a hatchback with the cargo space of an estate car and the capability to handle a wider range of road conditions.

Developed by GAC’s Milan Design Center, the model features a dedicated Cross package, wheel-arch cladding and roof rails.

The vehicle’s body uses 71% high-strength steel and it comes with seven airbags, including a 2.1-meter V-shaped side curtain airbag. It also uses GAC’s Magazine Battery technology, which the company says has accumulated more than 160 billion kilometers of safe driving.

The AION UT Cross has a 2,750 mm wheelbase and a 440-liter trunk. Folding the rear seats creates a flat loading area, while 24 storage spaces help keep everyday items and outdoor equipment organized.

GAC has tuned the suspension for European roads. The vehicle has 225 mm-wide tires and 147 mm of ground clearance when fully loaded.

The model offers a WLTP driving range of 400 km. Fast charging takes 24 minutes to increase the battery charge from 30% to 80%.

GAC plans to introduce more models in Europe, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, to meet the needs of different customers.

GAC said it will continue to expand its local operations and work with European partners on sales, service and green energy solutions, with the aim of providing more choices for lower-emission mobility.