GAC Targets European Market With Localized Manufacturing and Chelsea FC Deal

GAC is pivoting toward deep European integration by shifting production closer to its customer base. The company now manufactures its AION V and AION UT models within Europe, both of which have secured five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings. To bolster this footprint, a dedicated European R&D center is slated to open in 2027, complementing the existing Milan Design Center. By the end of this year, the firm expects its sales and service network to span 30 countries with 180 individual outlets.

Supporting this expansion is GAC CARE+, a service initiative emphasizing convenience and intelligence, which underpins the debut of the AION UT Cross—a vehicle designed specifically to blend hatchback versatility with SUV-grade utility. Beyond the showroom, the company is building a comprehensive green energy ecosystem that includes home energy systems and battery recycling. The strategy is reinforced by a new commercial alliance with Chelsea FC, naming GAC the club’s official automotive partner to bridge the gap between technical engineering and European consumer culture.