AION fires home with match-winning new Chelsea Football Club partnership
Slough, 08 October 2026 – AION and its parent company GAC have signed a deal to become the Official Automotive Partner of Chelsea Football Club.
The agreement connects one of China’s biggest car companies with one of the world’s biggest football clubs, and reigning Club World Cup champions. It comes at a time when GAC is extending its global reach and expanding into new markets with its range of high-quality, well-equipped and practical models.
The relationship will also bring the brand to a wider audience through combined storytelling, brand experiences and engagement with Chelsea FC’s huge fanbase, reaching further into the wider car-buying public.
Fans will witness an AION car leading the men’s team players to the stadium, while branding inside the club’s famous Stamford Bridge stadium will ensure recognition both in the ground and beamed around the world.
This exciting partnership will help cement AION’s presence in the UK, with the brand having only launched here in early summer 2026. Its first model, the AION V electric SUV, was recently joined by the electric UT hatchback, which arrived in showrooms last month. Both models showcase AION’s core strengths of high standard equipment levels and excellent practicality, range and charging speeds.
AION is behind the industry-leading Great 8 Promise, giving owners an eight-year warranty alongside eight years’ servicing, roadside assistance and MOT tests.
“Partnering with one of the world’s biggest football clubs gives us a global platform to showcase AION and GAC’s brand and products,” said AION Auto UK Managing Director Jon Wakefield. “This link is another big step in establishing AION as a serious UK player, and we can’t wait to work with Chelsea on some exciting projects in the coming months.”
Todd Kline, President of Commercial at Chelsea FC, said: “GAC are one of the fastest growing automotive businesses of recent years. We are proud to be partnering with them at such an exciting time, to support them in the next stage of their growth as they expand into new markets, and to build a unique partnership together.”
-ENDS-
Media contacts:
PR and Events Manager
Paul Barker: 07949 070636
paul.barker@aionauto.co.uk
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 sedans and spacious SUVs, showcasing advanced technology and high-quality craftsmanship. Through its sub-brands 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.
About Chelsea Football Club
Chelsea Football Club is one of the biggest, most successful football clubs globally and our men’s team are reigning world champions, having won the four-yearly FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. Our women’s team, Chelsea Women, are also multiple trophy winners.
Founded in 1905, Chelsea is London’s most central football club, based at the iconic 40,000-capacity Stamford Bridge stadium. Nicknamed the Blues, the club lifted the Champions League for the first time in 2012 and domestically has won the Premier League five times, the FA Cup eight times, the Football League Cup five times and the Football League Championship once, in 1955.
The Chelsea Foundation boasts one of the most extensive community initiatives in sport, helping to improve the lives of children and young people all over the world.
