AION car brand faces off as headline sponsor of Telford Tigers ice hockey team
- Title sponsorship in partnership with Sailhouse Cars renames club AION Telford Tigers for the 26/27 season
- Sailhouse Cars was one of the first dealers to join AION’s growing network across the UK
- AION V SUV from £36,450, and supermini AION UT from £28,950
- Industry-leading AION Great 8 Promise on all vehicles, offering the best ownership package in UK
Slough, 24 September 2026 – AION is the new headline sponsor of the Telford Tigers ice hockey team, in partnership with local Shrewsbury dealer Sailhouse Cars. As part of the agreement, the team will officially compete as the AION Telford Tigers for the 2026/27 season.
Sailhouse Cars has supported the team for a number of years, but has stepped up its commitment to title sponsorship for the first time, deepening its links with the local area. The group took up AION representation in the Shrewsbury area earlier this year, and has quickly moved to align itself with the community focused team, which plays in the NiHL National League.
The AION Telford Tigers have a 40-year history of success that includes winning the English Premier League and British Challenge Cup, and back-to-back National Ice Hockey League trophies.
The first face-off of the season took place at The Tiger's home of Telford Ice Rink last weekend, where they played long-standing rivals Milton Keynes Lightning. The season opener attracted loyal fans from across Shropshire, Mid Wales and the West Midlands.
“My family and I have been right there in the crowd for years, bleeding black and orange. We know how much this club means to the community,” said Chris Carr, owner of Sailhouse Cars. “Bringing AION on board as headline sponsor allows us to give something back to the team and its fans, and we can't wait for an incredible season ahead."
AION is the electrified brand within the GAC Group. It was established in 2017 and last year sold over 300,000 cars in China, making it one of the best-selling new energy vehicle brands in the world’s largest EV market.
Every AION vehicle in the UK comes with the industry-leading AION Great 8 Promise, giving customers eight years’ peace of mind across warranty, servicing, MOT and roadside assistance. Attached to the vehicle's VIN, rather than the individual owner, it transfers to future owners, and every AION driver has access to the best aftersales package in the UK, regardless of how they own the car.
AION has two models currently on sale in the UK, both characterised by range, quality and features typically associated with larger vehicles at a much higher price point.
The AION V, priced from £36,450 OTR, is a spacious and luxurious SUV with standard long-range capacity of up to 317 miles on one charge.
The AION UT supermini went on sale this month priced at £28,950. Packed with high-quality features, 268 miles of range on the standard battery and exceptional cabin space, the AION UT sets a new standard in the B-segment.
This September, AION is offering 0% APR PCP deals across the range, with an additional £500 deposit contribution on the AION UT when booking a test drive*.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*See aionauto.co.uk for details
Media contacts
Paul Barker: 07949 070636
paul.barker@aionauto.co.uk
Lois Brooks: 07596 857457
Sue Cugley: 07842 310087
aion@pfpr.com
About AION Auto UK
AION was founded in 2017 as an upper-mainstream electrified brand from GAC Group, one of China’s largest and longest-established automakers. AION Auto UK has been formed as a joint venture between GAC and Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands.
The joint venture between these two automotive powerhouses sets AION Auto UK up for a successful launch and sustainable growth in the UK. As the second largest EV market in Europe, the UK has a pivotal role to play in GAC’s global ambitions for AION, and it is fully committed to success in this market. The company is headquartered in Slough and is led by a local senior management team with extensive experience of the UK automotive industry.
About GAC
Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC) is a leading Chinese automotive corporation that has been gaining recognition in international markets for years. Founded in 1997, the company is experiencing dynamic growth, investing in innovative technologies, sustainable development, and modern design. GAC specializes in the production of a wide range of vehicles, from internal combustion and hybrid cars to cutting-edge electric models, catering to the growing demands of the global market. The brand's portfolio includes both luxury saloons and spacious SUVs, showcasing advanced technology and high-quality craftsmanship. Through its sub-brand AION, GAC continues to set new standards in the electric vehicle segment, combining innovation with exceptional design. For more information, please visit: www.gacgroup.com
About Jameel Motors
Jameel Motors is a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands. It has international operations in over 10 countries, including the UK, UAE, Türkiye, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, Japan, China, Australia, Monaco, South Africa, Poland, Iraq and Italy. Jameel Motors represents some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands, including Toyota, Lexus, BYD, GAC Motor, MG Motor, Farizon Auto, Changan Automobile, Omoda & Jaecoo, Geely Auto and Hino. Jameel Motors’ deep market knowledge as an independent international distributor enables its OEM partners to grow closer to their customers, driving both market share and sustainable growth with high customer satisfaction and loyalty. For more information, please visit www.jameelmotors.com.
Media contacts
Paul Barker: 07949 070636
paul.barker@aionauto.co.uk
Lois Brooks: 07596 857457
Sue Cugley: 07842 310087
aion@pfpr.com
About AION Auto UK
AION was founded in 2017 as an upper-mainstream electrified brand from GAC Group, one of China’s largest and longest-established automakers. AION Auto UK has been formed as a joint venture between GAC and Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands.
The joint venture between these two automotive powerhouses sets AION Auto UK up for a successful launch and sustainable growth in the UK. As the second largest EV market in Europe, the UK has a pivotal role to play in GAC’s global ambitions for AION, and it is fully committed to success in this market. The company is headquartered in Slough and is led by a local senior management team with extensive experience of the UK automotive industry.
About GAC
Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC) is a leading Chinese automotive corporation that has been gaining recognition in international markets for years. Founded in 1997, the company is experiencing dynamic growth, investing in innovative technologies, sustainable development, and modern design. GAC specializes in the production of a wide range of vehicles, from internal combustion and hybrid cars to cutting-edge electric models, catering to the growing demands of the global market. The brand's portfolio includes both luxury saloons and spacious SUVs, showcasing advanced technology and high-quality craftsmanship. Through its sub-brand AION, GAC continues to set new standards in the electric vehicle segment, combining innovation with exceptional design. For more information, please visit: www.gacgroup.com
About Jameel Motors
Jameel Motors is a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands. It has international operations in over 10 countries, including the UK, UAE, Türkiye, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, Japan, China, Australia, Monaco, South Africa, Poland, Iraq and Italy. Jameel Motors represents some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands, including Toyota, Lexus, BYD, GAC Motor, MG Motor, Farizon Auto, Changan Automobile, Omoda & Jaecoo, Geely Auto and Hino. Jameel Motors’ deep market knowledge as an independent international distributor enables its OEM partners to grow closer to their customers, driving both market share and sustainable growth with high customer satisfaction and loyalty. For more information, please visit www.jameelmotors.com.