Aion Automotive Sales (Thailand) held a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with top automotive dealers from ASEAN countries. The signing ceremony, along with the unveiling of the GAC Aion Y Plus, marks the brand's official presence in Thailand.

The company signed an agreement with 7 distributors hailing from 4 ASEAN nations: Jinhui (Thailand), AIONIC (Thailand), V Group (Thailand), Harmony Group (Thailand), 99 Myanmar (Myanmar), Harmony Group (Vietnam), and EV HUB (Singapore).

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Earlier this year, GAC Aion announced an investment plan of THB 6.4 billion (~RM 839 billion) in the country, which includes setting up a plant in Rayong province to manufacture 100,000 units of their electric vehicles (BEVs) for local and global markets.

The company plans to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, establishing Thailand as its regional hub for right-hand drive markets.

To the uninitiated, Aion is an all-electric sub-brand under GAC. Based on the specifications of the Aion Y Plus in China, buyers have the option of:

• Standard Range: 136 PS/176 Nm, 51.9 kWh LFPbattery, 400 km range (NEDC)
• Standard Range Plus: 204 PS/225 Nm, 61.7 kWh LFP battery, 480 km range (NEDC)
• Long Range: 204 PS/225 Nm, 69.9 kWh ternary lithium battery, 580 km range (NEDC)

It measures 4,535 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, 1,650 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. For context, the Toyota Corolla Cross spans 4,460 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, 1,620 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,640 mm.

Detailed specifications for the Thai-spec Aion Y Plus have yet to be disclosed. More will be revealed, including prices, during the official launch on 9-September.

Also read: GAC's Aion EV brand gears up against BYD in ASEAN; set to make Thailand as regional headquarters