Global auto manufacturer GAC Aion plans to boost its workforce in preparation for its international growth and penetration into foreign markets.

GAC Aion Expands Overseas Operations, Unveils New Cars

Chinese automotive company GAC Aion is gearing up for an ambitious expansion in the global market. The company, known for its focus on quality and technological innovation, is planning to establish production bases in various regions and release new vehicles every two months.

GAC Aion's overseas strategy primarily revolves around two main models: building bases and direct exports. Direct export is the preferred option due to China's higher labor productivity. In the second half of 2024, the company plans to add 2,000 new positions to support this growth.

Initially, GAC Aion will send personnel from China to overseas locations, with local talent serving as a supplement. The aim is to transition to a model where local talent takes the lead, supported by Chinese personnel, within approximately two years. The company's recruitment strategy overseas prioritizes local manpower for branding, sales, service, corporate management, and human resources roles. Product- and production-related talents will mainly come from China.

GAC Aion is exploring the European market and will continue to investigate production bases in South America, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa in the second half of the year. Potential countries for production base establishment include Brazil, Thailand, and Egypt. The company adheres to the principle of small investments, quick output, and rolling development, with scales of overseas factories being small, such as 20,000 or 30,000 units.

The automaker is also preparing to complete its extended-range and plug-in hybrid vehicle lineups, with plans to launch these starting in 2025. In the second half of the year, GAC Aion is planning to launch three new cars, filling market gaps, including products priced between RMB 100,000-200,000 (USD 13,770-27,540) and those above RMB 300,000 (USD 41,310).

In response to recent rumors, GAC Aion has denied reports about 20% layoffs and mass cancellations of agreements with fresh graduates. The company's factories in Thailand, Indonesia, and Changsha will commence operations this year and are currently hiring.

GAC Aion's vehicles are gaining attention for their advanced features like autonomous driving technology and gull-wing doors. The company's subsidiaries, GAC Aion and Trumpchi, are leading the charge for GAC Group's overseas expansion. The Southeast Asian market is being directly managed by GAC Aion, while other regions are managed by GAC International.

The company goes wherever there is a market, with the management of bases depending on whether the region primarily uses electric vehicles or not. GAC Aion is committed to its mission of providing high-quality, innovative vehicles to consumers around the world.