Chinese electric car brand Aion has assembled a top leadership team in preparation for its UK launch early next year.
Lee Giddings, erstwhile Suzuki national fleet sales manager, becomes head of fleet
Founded in 2017 as an EV-focused brand from GAC Group – one of China’s largest and oldest vehicle manufacturers – Aion is the third-largest battery electric vehicle brand globally after Tesla and BYD Auto.
It has big plans for the UK and launches here in early 2026 under the Aion Auto UK joint venture between GAC and Jameel Motors, a leading independent international vehicle distributor that’s also behind the UK launch of Chinese electric van brand Farizon Auto earlier this year.
Ahead of its arrival, Aion Auto UK is building out its management team, buoyed by high-calibre new hires with extensive experience across the UK automotive landscape.
Lee Giddings has assumed the role of head of fleet and brings strong expertise in the UK fleet and leasing sector, having held senior fleet roles at Suzuki UK and at Toyota GB.
Former Volvo MD Jon Wakefield heads up the UK team
He’s joined by Duncan Johnston as network development director and David Pay as sales director, while Ben Hurford becomes aftersales director after spending over 20 years at Renault UK in a number of senior commercial roles. Hurford latterly established aftersales operations at start-ups B-On and Volta.
The team is headed up by former Volvo UK MD Jon Wakfield, who delivers over three decades of industry experience to his new role as managing director. His background includes a decade fulfilling numerous senior roles across Volvo Cars in the UK and Europe and a return to the UK in 2023 to join new and used car dealer Harwoods Group as chief executive officer.
Leading the brand’s introduction to the UK is the Aion V, a C-segment SUV with “presence and personality” that will start first customer deliveries in spring 2026.
The Aion V C-segment SUV launches first
A rival to the Renault Scenic and Škoda Enyaq, it’s described as “tough on the outside and inviting on the inside”.
It’s also said to offer an all-electric range among the best in its class, along with an “exceptionally spacious and versatile interior”, a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and an eight-year warranty.
Aion’s line-up will expand with the addition of the UT, a B-segment hatchback that will take aim at the Volkswagen ID.3, Kia EV3 and MG4, a few months later.