GAC's European Expansion Shines at Milan Design Week 2025
On April 8, 2025, GAC celebrated its third consecutive participation in the Milan Design Week, a globally renowned event where cutting-edge art meets innovative technology and high fashion. The highlight of this year's event was the introduction of the AION UT and a returning presence of the AION V, alongside the debut of the CC4 model, the latest addition to its Car Culture series. Additionally, GAC announced the theme for the 2025 Design Award, "Beauty of Tomorrow II AI Works."
Among those attending were GAC's design director, Zhang Fan; Thomas Schemera, Global Operations Director at GAC International; and Stéphane Janin, head of GAC's Advanced Design Center in Europe. They engaged in dialogues with media and other guests about GAC's design philosophy, its European market strategy, and the future roadmap for its Milan design center.
"By enhancing production through design, our aim is to deliver products characterized by exceptional design, superior quality, and pioneering technology, thereby creating better mobility experiences for European consumers," said Thomas Schemera.
The venue at Via Tortona 16 was transformed by GAC into an immersive exhibition space that cleverly fused bold design with advanced technology. Featured prominently were the AION UT and AION V, which boasted sleek silhouettes, refined contours, and precision-engineered bodies.
The AION UT, developed in GAC's Milan design center, harmonizes Italian design aesthetics with local market preferences. Key features include the world's first eyebrow-inspired headlights, a central touchscreen measuring 14.6 inches, an 8.88-inch digital instrument display, and Level 2 intelligent driving assistance. The car offers high-strength sides and a versatile skeletal structure that surpasses European safety standards. Additionally, its second-generation quick-charge battery enables efficient charging from 30% to 80% in just 24 minutes and is designed to be bullet-resistant.
The AION V also made a dramatic return to Europe, providing a driving experience that exceeds expectations. It is equipped with a second-generation storage battery and an ultra-long 2.3-meter curtain airbag, establishing a "mobile fortress" offering high safety levels for passengers.
During Milan Design Week, GAC International also provided updates on its European Market Plan, driven by the vision of being "In Europe, for Europe, integrating into Europe, serving Europe, and contributing to Europe." With the upcoming launches of the AION UT and AION V in Europe, and models from the AION and Hyptec brands entering the market through a strategic alliance with Jameel Motors, GAC anticipates entering the Polish market in the third quarter of 2025.
This ambitious expansion aligns with GAC's commitment to innovation and sustainability, aiming to position itself as a key player not just in the automotive industry, but also within the broader European market context, forging connections between advanced automotive technologies and the evolving demands of consumers across the continent. GAC's presence at Italy's foremost design event marks a crucial step in its broader strategy to enhance brand awareness and reach, showcasing its capacity to merge automotive engineering with high design sensibilities.
Through events like the Milan Design Week, GAC is not only promoting its products but is also setting the stage for what future mobility should entail, driven by collaborative efforts and a strong focus on innovation. The momentum built during this event is expected to have lasting impacts as GAC continues to solidify its footprint in Europe.
Conclusion
As GAC accelerates its growth in Europe, initiatives such as their participation in the Milan Design Week demonstrate a promising alignment between design and technology. With innovative models like the AION UT and AION V, the future looks bright for this ambitious automaker as it integrates deeper into the European landscape.