AION Auto UK Appoints Paul Barker To Lead PR
London, 21 July 2026 – Paul Barker has joined AION as PR and Events Manager. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry across several senior roles, including his most recent tenure as Editor of Auto Express, and joins at an exciting time in AION’s development. The brand’s second model, the UT hatchback, is weeks away from hitting UK roads, joining the recently launched AION V in a line-up that will expand further through 2027 and beyond.
Barker will report to AION Auto UK’s Marketing Director, Alex Key.
“This is a brilliant opportunity to play a part in growing a brand with big plans and join the experienced UK team building for the future,” said Barker. “Its impressive preparation and carefully considered approach, including the market-leading Great 8 Promise, taking care of the servicing, MoT, roadside assistance and warranty for eight years, show AION is serious about the UK market, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
“Adding someone of Paul’s calibre to AION’s experienced team reinforces that this is a brand intent on doing the right things for the long-term in the UK,” said AION Auto UK Managing Director Jon Wakefield. “We’ve got ambitious growth plans, backed up by great product and the right people to drive us forward.”
The UT, an electric B-segment hatchback, will launch this autumn, with further models scheduled for 2027 on the way to a family of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2030.
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. Success in the UK is key for GAC’s internationalisation strategy, which targets one million overseas sales by 2030.
AION Auto UK has been formed as a joint venture between GAC International and Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands.
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.
