China’s GAC Group, one of the world’s largest automakers, has returned to Israel after a four-year absence—this time with its electric vehicle brand Aion.
The company, which produces more than 2 million vehicles annually (half of them for Toyota and Honda), first entered the Israeli market with the GE3 crossover, but the model failed to catch on due to its limited range, lack of fast charging, and absence of advanced safety systems.
That chapter ended when the pandemic froze plans to bring newer models. Now, Union Motors—importer of Toyota, Lexus, Geely, and Zeekr—is relaunching the brand under the Aion name with three electric models designed to compete head-to-head with China’s dominant players in Israel.
The lineup includes:
Aion V (167,000 NIS / about $44,500): Expected to be the volume seller, the V targets rivals like BYD’s Atto 3, Geely EX5, Leapmotor C10, and the upcoming MG S5. Built on GAC’s dedicated AEP platform, also used by Toyota in China, it is significantly larger than the Atto 3, offering 510 kilometers of range from a 75.3 kWh battery, a 0–100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds, and 180 kW fast charging from 30 to 80 percent in 18 minutes.
Aion HT (183,000 NIS / about $48,800): The flagship model borrows design cues from the Tesla Model Y, though it is longer and roomier, with a 670-liter trunk and an additional front storage space. It delivers 245 horsepower, 0–100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, and 445 km of range from a 72.7 kWh battery. While in China it is offered with larger batteries and more powerful motors, the Israeli version keeps specs modest. Fast charging at 160 kW takes 28 minutes from 30 to 80 percent.
Aion Y (143,000 NIS / about $38,100): The entry model undercuts most competitors in its segment, including the BYD Dolphin and MG4, while being larger overall. It features a 204-hp motor, 410 km of range, and slower 75 kW charging, needing 34 minutes to reach 80 percent.
All models come with a long list of standard features: digital instrument panels, 14.6-inch central touchscreens with surround cameras, faux or Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated and heated seats (front and rear on some trims), panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, power tailgate, and vehicle-to-load capability.
Safety systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control. The V and HT add blind-spot detection (active in the V). While not yet tested in Europe, Union Motors says the V is expected to receive five stars in NCAP crash tests to be published next week.
The relaunch comes at a time when Chinese EV brands dominate Israel’s sales charts. BYD has topped the market for two years, while Geely and MG are entrenched players. Union Motors believes Aion’s combination of competitive pricing, long-range batteries, and generous equipment will immediately pressure rivals in a crowded sector.
“This second attempt looks far more promising than the first,” auto analysts said, noting that Aion is targeting core segments of the Israeli EV market with bigger vehicles, strong specs, and aggressive price positioning. “Competitors will be watching closely—and not all will welcome the news.”