- GAC will enter the Japanese market next summer with the launch of its Aion UT and Aion V EV models, Nikkei reported.
- GAC aims to secure 2,000 orders in Japan in 2027.
GAC Group (HKG: 2238) will enter the Japanese market next summer with electric vehicle (EV) models, according to a Nikkei report yesterday.
The Chinese state-owned auto giant will sell its EV brand Aion's cars in Japan through distributor M Mobility Japan, according to the report.
GAC plans to secure 200 orders in 2026 and increase that figure to 2,000 in 2027, the report said.
The automaker will initially introduce two models: the compact EV Aion UT and the Aion V SUV (sport utility vehicle), Nikkei reported.
The Aion UT starts at 3.3 million Japanese yen ($21,190), while the Aion V starts at 5 million yen, the report said.
Both models support Japan's CHAdeMO fast-charging standard. Initial sales will be limited to corporate clients with business vehicle needs, Nikkei said.
GAC will become the latest Chinese automaker after BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) to target Japan's auto market, as they intensify overseas expansion efforts in recent years.
BYD announced its entry into Japan's passenger vehicle market in July 2022 and has since launched five models in Japan.
In late October, BYD unveiled the BYD Racco at the Japan Mobility Show -- its first electric mini K-Car -- scheduled for a Japanese launch in summer 2026.
Earlier this year, Zeekr's (NYSE: ZK) compact SUV, the Zeekr X, appeared on Japanese streets as part of its market entry preparations.
GAC's vehicle sales, including joint-venture brands, have shown weakness this year, with November sales totaling 198,992 units -- a 9.72 percent year-on-year decline, according to data released earlier this month.
Its Trumpchi brand saw November sales drop 42.04 percent year-on-year to 25,739 units, while the Aion brand fell 9.40 percent to 38,326 units.
From January to November, GAC's cumulative sales reached 1,534,036 units, down 10.80 percent year-on-year.
