GAC starts Aion UT production at Magna’s Austria plant

GAC has commenced production of the Aion UT at Magna’s manufacturing facility in Graz, Austria, marking the Chinese automaker’s first locally assembled electric vehicle in Europe. The start of production (SOP) and first roll-off took place on 18 March 2026, representing a significant step in GAC’s European expansion and localisation strategy.

The Aion UT was designed by GAC’s European design team in Milan and is intended as a strategic entry model for the European market, combining the company’s global electric vehicle technology with contract assembly by Magna in Austria. The collaboration gives GAC access to Magna’s established automotive manufacturing expertise, operational standards, and process reliability, while supporting supply chain responsiveness and alignment with European market and regulatory requirements.

GAC says the localised production setup directly reflects its approach to the European market, bringing together regional design input, local assembly, and intelligent electric mobility technology in a single model. The Aion UT is the company’s second model in the Aion lineup for Europe, following the Aion V electric SUV, which launched in the region in 2025.

The arrangement with Magna is described as a customised collaboration designed to ensure quality consistency and scalability as GAC broadens its European industrial footprint. The company positions the Aion UT as a foundation for its long-term presence in the region, with the Graz facility providing an established base for expanding output as demand develops.

Source: PR Newswire