Quick Takeaways
- GAC Group plans a cautious, fleet-first entry into Japan’s EV market with its Aion brand in 2026.
- CHAdeMO-compatible models and a local sales partner underpin its risk-mitigated expansion strategy.
On October 30, GAC Group confirmed plans for its Japan EV market entry, marking a significant step in its overseas expansion strategy. The Chinese automaker will introduce its Aion electric vehicle brand in Japan in the summer of 2026, targeting a market known for stringent quality standards and a mature automotive ecosystem.
GAC Group Japan EV Market Entry Strategy and Local Operations
For its Japan EV market entry, GAC Group will rely on M Mobility Japan, a Tokyo-based mobility solutions provider headquartered in Nakano, to handle domestic sales operations. This partnership allows GAC to leverage local market expertise while minimizing initial operational risk during market entry.
The rollout phase will focus on a controlled and demand-driven approach, prioritizing business and fleet customers before expanding into the broader retail segment.
Aion EV Models Planned for Japan Launch
GAC Group will begin its Japan EV market entry with two battery electric vehicles under the Aion sub-brand:
Fleet-Focused Sales Targets in Initial Phase
During the early stage of its Japan EV market entry, GAC Group will concentrate on corporate customers with fleet and business vehicle requirements. The company aims to:
GAC Group Financial and Sales Performance Context
From January to November 2025, GAC Group recorded cumulative vehicle sales of 1.53 million units, representing a year-over-year decline of 10.8 percent. Sales from the Aion brand stood at 247,941 units, down 19.3 percent year-over-year, reflecting intensified competition in the domestic EV market.
Financially, during the first three quarters of the year, GAC Group reported operating revenue of CNY 66.27 billion, a decline of 10.49 percent year-over-year, alongside a net loss of CNY 4.31 billion. These figures underline the strategic importance of overseas growth initiatives such as the Japan EV market entry to rebalance performance and unlock new revenue streams.
GAC Group Japan EV Market Entry Strategy and Local Operations
For its Japan EV market entry, GAC Group will rely on M Mobility Japan, a Tokyo-based mobility solutions provider headquartered in Nakano, to handle domestic sales operations. This partnership allows GAC to leverage local market expertise while minimizing initial operational risk during market entry.
The rollout phase will focus on a controlled and demand-driven approach, prioritizing business and fleet customers before expanding into the broader retail segment.
Aion EV Models Planned for Japan Launch
GAC Group will begin its Japan EV market entry with two battery electric vehicles under the Aion sub-brand:
- Aion UT: A compact liftback sedan priced from JPY 3.3 million
- Aion V: A compact electric SUV starting at JPY 5.0 million
Fleet-Focused Sales Targets in Initial Phase
During the early stage of its Japan EV market entry, GAC Group will concentrate on corporate customers with fleet and business vehicle requirements. The company aims to:
- Secure approximately 200 vehicle orders in 2026
- Scale deliveries to around 2,000 units in 2027
GAC Group Financial and Sales Performance Context
From January to November 2025, GAC Group recorded cumulative vehicle sales of 1.53 million units, representing a year-over-year decline of 10.8 percent. Sales from the Aion brand stood at 247,941 units, down 19.3 percent year-over-year, reflecting intensified competition in the domestic EV market.
Financially, during the first three quarters of the year, GAC Group reported operating revenue of CNY 66.27 billion, a decline of 10.49 percent year-over-year, alongside a net loss of CNY 4.31 billion. These figures underline the strategic importance of overseas growth initiatives such as the Japan EV market entry to rebalance performance and unlock new revenue streams.
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