On 12–13 June, GAC Thailand hosted an AION UT media test drive event themed “PlayNation” at Smiths Garage,Bangkok. The event attracted over 40 mainstream Thai automotive media outlets and well-known influencers. Through immersive interaction featuring Milan-inspired aesthetics and smart technologies, the event vividly showcased the brand’s playful DNA and sparked strong anticipation among local young consumers.
A defining highlight of the event was its seamless blend of trendy fashion and playful elements. Under the theme “Play with UTmost”, Milanese design aesthetics, smart technologies, and versatile spatial functions were woven into an immersive experiential environment. Trendy graffiti installations, pop-up street booths, and a playground-themed interactive zone brought to life design highlights such as dynamic body contours and a contrasting floating roof.
The spacious interiors and a configurable “play-bed” seating arrangement drew lively participation. The dual screens (14.6-inch and 8.8-inch), full-scenario voice interaction, L2 smart driving, 2.0 battery technology (NEDC range of 500 km), and 30%-80% quick-charge in 24 minutes struck a perfect balance between trendiness and practicality. The media praised the vehicle as “precisely aligned with Thai consumers’ dual demand for style and functionality.” Liu Qingxin, Vice General Manager of GAC INTERNATIONAL Thailand Sales Company, remarked, “The AION UT is more than just a car — it embodies a sustainable mobility lifestyle and GAC’s new definition of green travel.”
To showcase the AION UT’s driving performance, the event featured a well-curated array of tests including acceleration and braking, slalom, and emergency braking demonstrations. Among these features, the AEB system equipped on the AION UT can automatically detect obstacles and apply emergency braking while reversing, effectively preventing collisions. Combined with radar and a 360° panoramic imaging system, it further enhances reversing safety and operational precision. The AION UT's performance garnered unanimous praise from the attending media. AUTO SPIN commented, “In the 500,000 baht price segment, the UT stands out for its suspension setup and excellent shock absorption — soft yet stable, perfectly suited to Thai road conditions.” Tsuit Review noted that “AION UT is the most cost-effective new choice”, while Auto Info highlighted that “as the only vehicle in its class with a fully flat reclining hatchback design, its spacious comfort exceeds expectations. Combined with smart fast charging and robust safety features, AION UT is set to become the new must-have EV for young Thai families and style-conscious buyers.”
Since its pre-sale debut at the Bangkok International Motor Show in April, The AION UT has received overwhelming orders, becoming a phenomenon in the Thai market. Supported by the AION UT and other models in GAC’s portfolio, the brand secured a record-breaking 7,018 orders at the show — ranking second among NEV brands and third overall. Of these, 4,568 units were for the AION UT alone, which also won the “Most Valuable EV Model” award at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show — a testament to the trust and enthusiastic endorsement of Thai consumers.
In alignment with the “One GAC 2.0” strategy, the AION UT — as the pioneer model in the “Thailand Action” — will be officially launched on June 24, at Sphere Hall, EmSphere in Bangkok. Looking ahead, GAC will continue to deepen its presence in Thailand by understanding consumer needs and investing more in localized products. With a diversified product matrix, premium services, and enhanced user experiences, GAC aims to bring Thai consumers a greener, smarter, and more stylish mobility lifestyle.