AION Auto UK attracts top talent ahead of 2026 launch
- Senior leadership recruits build out strong AION Auto UK management team
- High calibre new hires have extensive experience across UK automotive
- AION brand launches in the UK in early 2026
London, 10 November 2025 – AION Auto UK has made a series of key hires at leadership and senior management level to spearhead the brand’s entry into the UK market in early 2026.
- Duncan Johnston has been appointed as Network Development Director, bringing experience from several senior retail network roles in the UK and Europe, including at Honda, Lotus and Inchcape.
- David Pay steps into the role of Sales Director, bringing 25 years of commercial experience in the automotive (McLaren) and financial services (Santander) industries.
- Ben Hurford joins as Aftersales Director after spending over 20 years at Renault UK in a number of senior commercial roles. Latterly he established aftersales operations at start-ups B-ON and Volta.
- Lee Giddings takes up the Head of Fleet position. He brings extensive experience in the UK fleet and leasing sector, having held senior fleet roles at Suzuki UK and at Toyota GB.
These new recruits will report to Managing Director, Jon Wakefield.
“Our success will be determined in no small part by the quality of the leadership and the way we apply our deep knowledge and experience of the British motor industry,” said Wakefield. “That expertise gives us an opportunity to do things differently, to innovate, and to create a business optimised for long-term sustainable growth. These senior team members are very experienced operators of the highest calibre and are greatly respected in the industry. I’m looking forward to working with them to execute our launch strategy and to shape the long-term future of AION Auto UK.”
Several other new appointments have been made across commercial and operational roles, and more will follow in the coming months as the business prepares to launch in early 2026.
Leading the brand’s introduction to the UK is the AION V, a C-segment SUV with presence and personality. Tough on the outside and inviting on the inside, AION V offers an all-electric range among the best in its class, an exceptionally spacious and versatile interior, a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and an eight-year warranty.
First customer deliveries of the AION V are planned for spring 2026, and the lineup will expand with the addition of the AION UT, a B-segment hatchback, a few months later.
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.
