Inchcape brings Chinese giant GAC AION to Romania and builds a national network from scratch
BUCHAREST – Inchcape Romania, the main distributor of the Toyota and Lexus brands for over 25 years, is expanding its portfolio by launching the GAC AION brand, the electric vehicle division of the Chinese giant GAC Group. The move marks the entry into the local market of one of the most dynamic electric vehicle brands globally, combined with the experience and network of one of the largest players in the global automotive distribution.
The company will coordinate the development of the brand at a national level and build a dedicated network of dealers and service units from scratch.
The first models on the local market: the AION V SUV and the AION UT hatchback
The launch range for Romania includes two fully electric models aimed at key market segments:
1. AION V – The family SUV with ultra-fast charging
Designed for those looking for space and autonomy without compromise, the AION V is a 100% electric SUV with top performance:
- Autonomy: 510 km WLTP (valid from the basic version).
- Fast charging: From 30% to 80% in just 18 minutes.
- Safety: 5 stars in the rigorous EuroNCAP tests.
- Interior equipment: Fully digitalized cockpit, advanced voice controls, heated seats with massage function, panoramic roof and a center armrest with refrigeration function.
2. AION UT – The urban hatchback with European DNA
Designed for urban congestion and long roads, the AION UT combines compact design with generous interior space:
- Autonomy & Battery: 60 kWh battery offering a range of 430 km WLTP.
- Charging: The range 30–80% is covered in 24 minutes.
- Design & Safety: Designed in Europe, the model is equipped with advanced active and passive safety systems.
Quick comparison between models
| Feature / Specification | AION V (SUV) | AION UT (Hatchback) |
| Segment | Compact / Mid-size SUV | Hatchback |
| Range (WLTP) | 510 km | 430 km |
| Battery / Charging (30–80%) | Ultra-fast charging (18 min) | 60 kWh battery (24 min) |
| Euro NCAP Safety | 5 stars | Advanced safety systems |
| Design / Key Features | Digital interior, panoramic roof | Designed in Europe |
Production in Austria and logistics center in Europe
Unlike other manufacturers in the region, GAC Group comes to Europe with a well-established logistics and production infrastructure on the continent:
- Design: The vehicles are designed at the group's design studio in Milan, Italy.
- Local production: Both the AION V and AION UT are assembled in Graz, Austria, through the strategic partnership with Magna.
- Spare parts: For fast after-sales service, a dedicated spare parts logistics center has been opened in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Official prices, equipment levels, order opening date and the list of partner dealers will be announced in the immediate future, before the official start of sales.
Major investments and dedicated network in Romania
The partnership between Inchcape and GAC AION comes with a massive investment plan in the Romanian market. The strategy includes:
- Flagship showroom: Building a state-of-the-art digitalized center in the northern area of Bucharest.
- National network: Creating our own authorized sales and service network at national level.
- Technical Training: Intensive training and certification programs for technical and sales staff.
Who are the actors behind the partnership?
GAC Group & GAC AION
Founded in 1997 in Guangzhou, GAC Group is the fifth largest automaker in China, with an annual output of over 2.5 million vehicles and a presence in 85 countries and regions. In July 2026, the group surpassed the 30 million vehicle sales milestone globally.
Its electric division, GAC AION, represents a growth phenomenon in the EV industry:
- It surpassed 1 million vehicles sold in less than 5 years since launch.
- Last year it recorded over 300,000 units sold in the Chinese market alone.
Inchcape Romania
Part of Inchcape plc — the world's largest independent car distributor, headquartered in London and operating on 6 continents — the Romanian division has a history of over a quarter of a century. Inchcape is the company that transformed the Toyota brand into one of the strongest automotive players in Romania, reaching second place in the top of new car sales, supported by a network of over 30 dealers.
The expansion with the GAC AION brand positions Inchcape as a key player in the transition to 100% electric mobility on the Romanian market.